Charles Brias (1798-1884) and Pierre François (1774-1862): 'Costumes anciens', album with various costumes in watercolour, 1831-1845

Oblong.

Album with 23 fine watercolour drawings showing 16th- & 17th-C. Flemish costumes, copied from old paintings at that time in Belgian collections (by a.o. Bruegel, Snayers andVan Der Laen). Drawings by Charles Brias, known for his landscapes, genre paintings and portraits, and Pierre François Le Roy, member of the Le Roy family of artists. On verso of each drawing is ms. information on the artist and the date of the drawing, after which painting, to whom it belonged (and sometimes where the owner bought it), and what it depicts. Owners are a.o. Comte de Beauffort, Comte de Mérode-Westerlo, Comte de Lannoy, Académie de Malines, Felix Le Roy, M. Beukelaers. Loosely added ms. list of the drawings.

23 drawings (ca. 18 x 14 cm), watercolour on paper. Two drawings signed 'C.B. 1845' and one signed 'W. le Roy' (William Le Roy). Stuck at corners in oblong 4to album, grey ff., filled up with 74 blank ff. Contemp. violet morocco, covers with blind- and gilt-stamped decorated frames and gilt title 'Costumes anciens', gilt-orn. flat spine, gilt sides & inside dentelles, a.e.g., decor. endpapers.