Known to Benjamin Franklin

Magisterial work by the Benedictine monk Bernard de Montfaucon (1655–1741), one of the founders of modern archaeology.

The present work is a catalogue of ancient Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan and Roman artefacts, sculptures and art. Profusely illustrated, it constitutes a pictorial encyclopaedia of the gods, heroes, everyday life, religious customs, and military actions of the ancient world. The book's images of the ancient goddess of liberty brought it to the particular attention of Benjamin Franklin.

Complete sets in contemporary bindings are increasingly difficult to find.

15 vol. Folio. Titles printed in red & black, engraved portrait, complete with 1380 engraved plates on 1379 sheets, approximately 200 double-page; a few plates lightly browned, occasional small, light waterstaining to fore-margin, generally crisp, clean & fresh. Contemporary sprinkled calf gilt; lightly rubbed, minor wear to extremities.

Brunet, III, 1862 – Cohen, 731.