The three pl. are numbered 10, 11, 12, top right (in the Academy's copy they have been bound in in the order 12, 10, 11). Some copies also carry the letter 'B' top left. Fuhring describes two states of the first plate, three of the second plate, and six of the third plate. The Royal Academy's copy does not correspond exactly with any of these.
Responsibility Note
Each plate is signed as designed by Meissonnier and engraved by Desplaces.
Fuhring describes some issues of the third plate carrying a publisher's imprint and address, eithor of 'la Ve. Chereau' or of Huquier.
References
P. Fuhring, Juste-Aurèle Meissonnier, Un génie du rococo 1695-1750 (2 v., 1999), p.318-321 (nos. 14-16k); Oeuvre de Juste-Aurèle Meissonnier (Paris: Huquier, 1742-51; repr. New York, 1969, intro. D. Nyborg).
Summary Note
Later issues correct 'Scuplture' to 'Sculpture', 'Invanté' to 'Inventé' and 'Maissonnier' to 'Meissonnier'.
Each plate shows a design for a silver candle-stick, incorporating putti.
Fuhring lists examples of candlesticks in porcelain or metal, made by J.F. Eberlain and others, following these designs.
Provenance
Acquired between 1769 and 1802. Recorded in RAA Library, Catalogue, 1802 (as 'Ornemens pour les Artistes, par Boucher, la Joue ...').
Copy Note
All plates are pasted in. The title-plate is bound in second place.
Binding Note
18th-century speckled calf; rebacked in 1996, red and black morocco spine labels lettered 'Oeuvres De Bouche & De La Joue Tom. II'. Bound with 'Livre de Cartouches Inventés Par François Boucher' and 20 others.
Subject
Candlesticks - Silver - Metal-work, French - France - History - 18th century - Rococo
Designs - Pattern books - France - 18th century
Pictorial works - France - 18th century