Pian (Jean Baptiste de) [Architectural Alphabet], 26 superb chromolithographs by Leopold Müller after Pian, some finished by hand, images c.280 x 210mm, a few with scattered foxing to images and light unobtrusive water-staining (mostly marginal), occasional adhesion abrasion to margins from previous mounting, trimmed close to border (some loss to imprints) and tipped into aperture mounts (c.405 x 330mm.), loose in modern board drop-back box, book-label of Arthur and Charlotte Vershbow to inside lid, joints worn, Vienna, by J.Höfelich and M.R.Toma, 1842-44.

⁂ Magnificent alphabet with each letter fully incorporated as part of the internal decoration or architectural structure of various buildings. The buildings range from traditional European domestic architecture to exotic Babylonian and Egyptian temples, Moorish mosques, Indian porticoes adorned with stone elephants, and a Chinese palace. The illustrations directly reference many periods and styles of art and architecture, including the Classical, Baroque, Eclectic, Gothic, and Romantic movements. In his essay on Pian's alphabet, Ein Schmuckalphabet Aus Wien, Dr. Anton Durstmüller notes that the letters also correspond with architectural elements in the scenes. In one illustration, the letter F forms the shape of a kitchen hearth, which is "Feuerstätte" in German. The illustrations are imaginative and nuanced, with attention to the finest architectural details. Jean Baptiste de Pian, also known as Giovanni Battista de Pian, belonged to a family of Italian artists who immigrated from Venice to Vienna in the late 18th century. Jean Baptiste's father and grandfather were both draughtsmen, painters, and engravers who also worked as set designers for the Imperial Court Theater of Vienna.

Extremely rare; only 2 copies at auction in the last thirty-five years. A facsimile was published in Vienna in 1973.