Lot 948
948
POMOLOGY -- GILBERT, Charles. "Album pomologique". N.d. (before 1880). Collection of 9 odd vols., comprising 2 vols. w. manuscript descriptions of apples (532 and 534 numb. pp), 2 vols. w. manuscript descriptions of pears (528 and 522 numb. pp), and 5 lge-4° vols. w. c. 980 original drawings in colour of pears made by the author, all cut out on outlines and laid down on light blue paper (77; 76; 76; 76; 76 lvs. respectively). (Binds. worn and/or slightly dam., but in fine interior condition).
Charles Gilbert (1820-1890) came from a well-known family. Destined for a merchant's career, he learned several languages. His older brother Joannes Carolus Petrus was an oilcloth manufacturer. An uncle was an alderman. After the death of his mother in 1843, Gilbert inherited the 'Bleyckhof' in Oelegem, a former bleachery and country residence, owned by the Antwerp Gilbert family for generations. The inheritance allowed him to distance himself from the business world and retire. In this way, the way was clear for Gilbert to fully surrender to his passion: horticulture and pomology. "Op de nationale tentoonstelling van 1880 ontving Gilbert een gouden medaille voor zijn 'Album Pomologique', originele kleurenafbeeldingen en beschrijvingen van ca. 500 peren- en 100 appelsoorten. Deze unieke gegevens werden spijtig genoeg nooit gepubliceerd." (see 'Gilbert' on https://www.bestor.be). - Present are only the plate volumes 1, 4, 5, 6 and 13 devoted to pears (numbering on spines), presenting together well over 980 drawings of pears and cross sections of pears (on a 1:1 scale?), numbered and with their names on printed tickets/or in manuscript, and the 4 text volumes written in a legible hand. From vol. 6 unfortunately some 13 drawings were removed. - On Gilbert's life, see Ed. Lucas in 'Pomologische Monatshefte', 188, p. 321.€ 3000
Back