Elaborate album of lithographs based on drawings by Vice Admiral François-Edmond Pâris from a visit to the Holy City in 1861. The album follows Pâris' itinerary as described by him in the introductory text. Leading his squadron from Jaffa to Jerusalem, Pâris drew a charming scene of pilgrims gathering at the fountain of Abu-Nabbut. Before entering the city, he captured an impressive view of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives. 52 important sights are marked in the uncoloured lithograph and described in the text. The view of the city is followed by impressions of Christian places of worship such as the Holy Grave, the Prison of Christ, and the Chapel of Saint Helena in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Tomb of the Virgin Mary, the Grotto of the Nativity in nearby Bethlehem, and an unusual, uncoloured view of the interior of the Golden Gate (Gate of Mercy). The final 3 lithographs present 2 beautiful interiors of the Mosque of Omar and one of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. All sights depicted are described in the text.
François-Edmond Pâris (1806-1893) commanded the 2nd Division of the French fleet in the Mediterranean when he visited Jerusalem. Leading primarily scientific missions, Pâris was a talented draughtsman who took an interest in naval architecture, steam engineering, and geography. Today, Pâris is considered the father of modern maritime ethnography and he played an important role in the modernisation of the National Maritime Museum in Paris.
The original paper wrapper is rather wrinkled with some repaired tears and restored loss to corners, the title-page is a little stained, and several tears in the margins have been professionally repaired. The lower right corner of the first text-sheet has been repaired without affecting the text. The lithographs have been generally well preserved, but some are lightly affected by stains in the margins, some occasional tears in the margins and corners of the sheets have been restored, not affecting the illustrations. Otherwise in very good condition. Blackmer 1255; Röhricht 2762; Tobler 231.