A comprehensive three-volume set of Louis Réau's landmark scholarly work, Histoire de la Peinture Française, published by the Librairie Nationale d'Art et d'Histoire, G. Van Oest (Paris & Bruxelles, 1925–1926). The set includes the volume Des Origines au Retour de Vouet (1200 à 1627) as well as both volumes (Tome I and Tome II) devoted to Le XVIIIe Siècle. Bound in original softcover paper wrappers (broché) with decorative typographic borders, publisher printer's marks, and untrimmed deckle edges.

Condition Report & Provenance

• Author: Louis Réau (1881–1961)
• Title: Histoire de la peinture française
• Volumes Included: Des Origines au Retour de Vouet (1200 à 1627); Le XVIIIe Siècle (Tome I); Le XVIIIe Siècle (Tome II)
• Publisher: Librairie Nationale d'Art et d'Histoire, G. Van Oest, Éditeur, Paris et Bruxelles
• Period: Early 20th Century (1925–1926)
• Origin: France
• Material / Technique: Printed text and plate illustration on heavy paper, original paper wrappers
• Markings: Spines and front wrappers bear printed titles, volume numbers, and publisher's monogram; publisher's mark on rear wrapper
• Condition: Light edge wear, chipping, and tears along fragile paper wrapper margins and spine ends; light age-toning to paper; interior block sound with deckle edges preserved

History

Published during the interwar renaissance of French art historiography, G. Van Oest's editions were renowned for combining thorough scholarly synthesis with high-quality plate reproductions. Author Louis Réau, a distinguished Sorbonne professor and director of the Institut Français, was one of the 20th century's premier authorities on French art and iconography. Large-format, untrimmed wrappered editions like this remain highly desirable among collectors of art historical literature and antiquarian art books.