L'écuyer des dames, ou lettres sur l'équitation.
Paris, Huzard, 1806.
8vo. (4), II, 140 pp. With 3 engr. plates by Horace Vernet. Contemporary straight-grained red morocco, elaborately gilt on covers and spine; leading edges and inner dentelle gilt. Blue endpapers. All edges gilt.
€ 7,500.00
First edition of this manual of riding instruction for ladies. The fine engravings by the young Horace Vernet (1789-1863), later the 19th century's foremost master of equestrian illustration, include the earliest depiction of a lady sitting astride the horse. A second edition was published in 1817. The author, Louis Henri II, marquis de Pons d'Hostun (1750-1820?), was inspired by the works of Newcastle and La Guérinière. Exceedingly rare; a sumptuously bound copy.
References
Schrader 1452. Mennessier de la Lance 336. Huth 75.