JOUSSE (Mathurin). - Lot 41

JOUSSE (Mathurin). La fidelle Ouverture de l'art De Serrurier ; ou lon void Les principaulx preceptes, Desseings, et figures touchant Les experiences, et operations Manuelles dudict art. Ensemble un petit traicté De diverses trempes. Le tout faict, et Composé par Mathurin Jousse de La Flèche La Flèche: Georges Griveau, 1627. - In-4, 301 x 191 : (4 ff.), 152 pp. Red morocco, boards decorated in the Du Seuil style, spine ribbed and decorated (modern imitation binding). Rare first edition of one of the most important works on the history of the decorative arts in France. This is the first of three construction treatises by master locksmith and architectural theorist Mathurin Jousse (1575-1645), devoted to locksmithing. The other two dealt with carpentry (1627) and stereotomy (1642). This is the oldest work on the subject, and considered the most valuable. In addition to depicting the tools and procedures of the trade, the author also provides numerous figures of ornamented pieces in vogue at the time, such as keys, gates, signs, knockers, etc. It is divided into 69 chapters: De l'antiquité & utilité de l'art de Serruier. - The master's duty to the apprentice. - The names of the main & most necessary tools used by the locksmith. - How to tell when iron is hot. - How to forge a nail. - Method of brazing cadenats, & other pieces. - Pour faire serrurers à deux (trois, quatre, cinq, six, sept, huit, neuf, dix, onze et douze) fermetures. - To make spinning wheels & guards. - To iron chests. - To make enamel, to enamel targettes, & other relief work. - To make interlaced grilles to be placed in front of crosspieces or windows in dwellings. - To make well locks. - To make screws for printers' presses. - To apply iron & steel in any desired color. Etc. The edition was printed in La Flèche, Anjou, where Mathurin Jousse lived, and features a rich illustration comprising an engraved title depicting two journeymen locksmiths with Vulcan and Mercury behind them, dominated by the figure of the Jesuits to whom the treatise is dedicated, and 65 figures, 33 of which are woodcuts and 32 intaglio, the latter of remarkable finesse. A good copy in modern imitation binding. Engraved title soiled, restored and re-engraved. Light spotting and some foxing. Restorations to leaves B3, C2, D2, G4 and N6, without affecting the text.