1880s French Architectural Lithograph Folio - 1st. Volume, 25 sheets

Folio of antique French chromolithographs titled "Constructions Modernes & Economiques, Premier Volume" published by Monrocq, Paris in the late 1800s of France's Belle Epoque era. Found at an antique market in northern France.

This portfolio was intended as an architectural reference for constructing buildings of all types (restaurants, schools, shops, residences). The collection consists of 25 folded loose sheets (20"W x 26"H) each containing everything a contractor would need to build a particular model elevations, sections, details, specifications, and a price estimate.

Each of the twenty-five sheets, has a minimum of 4 colorful images suitable for framing for a total of more than 100. The highly detailed drawings are a delight with whimsical additions such as lazy dogs sunning themselves in the yard, fancy artwork on the walls, horse-drawn carriages passing by, giving a time-capsule view of French life in the 1880s.

Volume 3 of the same series is available under a separate Chez Vous Antiques listing.

Individual plates retail for $100+, this folio contains 25 plates with over 100 images.

Dimensions: 10.25w x 1.5"D x 13"H, folio binding with folded drawings; 20"W x 26"H, individual lithographic sheets.

Complete edition with 25 sheets; the interior sheets are in very good condition (suitable for framing) with some toning but only a couple of images having moisture damage which would preclude display. Cover is in poor condition (as shown) with considerable wear and moisture damage.

Free local pickup, otherwise shipped via economical UPS ground.