Beschreibung:

Aimé Jacques Alexandre Bonpland
des plantes rares cultivées à Malmaison et à Navarre. Paris: Didot l’Ainé, 1813
Parts 1 and 2 only, folio (528 x 340mm.), half-title, dedication, 12 stipple-engraved plates after Redouté and Bessa, printed in colours and finished by hand, contemporary red morocco-backed cloth, title stamped in gilt on upper cover, spotted, binding rubbed
THIS COPY GIVEN BY THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE TO SIR HUMPHRY DAVY. The publication is an illustrated catalogue of exotic and rare plants grown in the Empress Josephine' gardens at her Châteaux at Malmaison and Navarre. The work was limited to 325 copies and was a sequel to Pierre Ventenat's Jardin de la Malmaison (1803-1805), also illustrated by Redouté.  
LITERATURE:Great Flower Books, p. 51; Nissen BBI 207; Stafleu TL2 648
PROVENANCE:Lady Jane Davy (1780–1855), inscription on flyleaf dated 1847 explaining the circumstances of the presentation of the volume to her late husband. Lady Jane Davy (née Kerr) was a rich heiress who first married Shuckburgh Apreece and after his early death the eminent scientist Humphry Davy with whom she made many continental tours sometimes accompanied by Michael Faraday. Sir Humphry died on such a trip in 1829, in Geneva. She lived on until 1855 at her London residence in Park Street. Condition reportSpotted, binding rubbed
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."