THEATER GALLERY, OR COLLECTION OF FOOT PORTRAITS OF THE PRINCIPAL ACTORS OF THE FIRST THREE THEATRES OF THE CAPITAL. Engraved by the most famous Artists. Paris : Bance aîné, [1812 or 1819]. - 2 volumes in-folio (of 3), 360 x 27. Cream paper boards, smooth spine, untrimmed (contemporary binding). Colas 1164. first edition of this gallery of the most famous actors and actresses who have illustrated the French stage since the 16th century until the time of the publication of the work . These two volumes include a total of 96 biographies and 96 out-of-text portraits engraved in intaglio. In addition, there are two engraved titles. A third volume, which is missing here, will appear in 1834. good copy in its original hardback, with all margins, with all engravings printed in colour . Wear to the boards. Light staining in the first volume. Some portraits and loose leaves. Scattered foxing. Attached : - Galerie théâtrale. Collection of 144 full-length portraits of the principal actors and actresses who have illustrated the French stage from 1552 to the present day. Paris: A. Barraud, 1873. - 2 volumes in-folio, 361 x 272. Dark brown half morocco, spine gilt, untrimmed (Franz). The publisher Barraud had acquired the remainder of the Bance edition and put together this new collection of only 99 copies, in which he reprinted several notices . It includes a frontispiece and 144 copper-engraved portraits printed in colour, as well as 84 engravings in the text, 18 of which were drawn and engraved especially for the work. Unnumbered copy, in Franz binding. Some wear and tear to the binding. Mottling and foxing. Provenance: Mrs. Duff Cooper, with bookplate.