THE CHATEAUX OF THE LOIRE. Artistic Album. - Lot 190

THE CHATEAUX OF THE LOIRE. Artistic Album. Paris, Lévy Fils, undated (circa 1905–1915). Oblong folio, soft cardboard cover illustrated by the publisher. A beautiful photographic album dedicated to the major châteaux of the Loire Valley, published by Lévy Fils, a leading Parisian publisher of postcards and photographic views at the turn of the 20th century. It features large heliotype or phototype reproductions offering a monumental view of the most famous mansions of the French Renaissance: Blois, Chambord, Chenonceau, Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau, Cheverny, Chaumont, Langeais, Villandry, and several other sites in the Loire Valley. The images, produced by the leading photographic studios of the era (notably including photographs signed “ND” for Neurdein), bear witness to the development of heritage tourism in the early 20th century. They emphasize both the architecture and the perspectives of the courtyards, galleries, staircases, and gardens, with a particularly high-quality print. This document has become rare and is representative of the luxurious photo albums published before World War I to promote France’s cultural heritage. Heavily worn copy; spine previously reinforced; numerous foxing spots and stains on the covers; endpapers detached or incomplete; signs of moisture and wear. The interior remains complete, and the photographic plates are in generally satisfactory condition. Sold as is.