LE BRUN (Charles). Conférence de monsieur Le Brun premier peintre du roy de France, chancelier et directeur de l'Académie de peinture et sculpture. Sur l'Expression generale & particuliere. Amsterdam: J. L. De Lorme; Paris: E. Picart le Romain, 1698. - In-8, jansenist red morocco, ribbed spine, gilt border inside, gilt edges (19th century binding). "Posthumous first edition published by Étienne Picart, of this study of human physiognomy in painting. "The Author, after having explained in a few words the opinions of the sçavans on the nature & the siege of the Passions, particularly endeavors to describe the different effects which they produce on the external parts; which he demonstrates by a great number of figures which he drew himself, & which express what he says of each Passion in particular" (Le Libraire au lecteur). The edition is illustrated with 41 copper-engraved plates by Bernard Picart (1673-1733) after drawings by Le Brun. It ends with an "Abrégé d'une conférence de monsieur Le Brun, Sur la phisionomie". A very fine copy. Cut to one spine. Small but not severe wetness on the bottom of a few leaves."