Standard measures of Toises, Verges and Milles supported by putti with groups symbolizing the Arts, History, War, Architecture and Agriculture

Details

Charles-Nicolas Cochin (Paris 1715-1790)
Standard measures of Toises, Verges and Milles supported by putti with groups symbolizing the Arts, History, War, Architecture and Agriculture
red chalk, squared in black lead
11 7/8 x 18¼ in. (328 x 462 mm.); and the print by B.A. Nicollet (2)

Provenance

M. Rosot; Paris, 9 June 1928, lot 8.
M. Paulme (L. 1910); Paris, 13 May 1929, lot 56.

Engraved

In reverse by B.A. Nicollet, with the metric system added.

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium, which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

According to the Marius Paulme catalogue this drawing was engraved for the Nouvel abrégé chronologique de l'histoire de France written by Président Hénault and published in Paris in 1768. The metric system was however not created until 1792-5, after Cochin's death. The engraver Bernard-Antoine Nicollet (1740-1807), one of Cochin's pupils, probably reused an old plate and added the metric system when he engraved the print included in this lot.

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