A fine early engraving of Saint Denis to the north of Paris, now absorbed by the city. The view is dominated by the important Basilica of St. Denis, completed in 1144 it is considered the first Gothic church ever built. It is engraved by Israel Silvestre who was born in Nancy, France, in 1621. Under the tuition of his uncle he developed a remarkable talent as an engraver. In 1661 on the death of his uncle he became the sole heir. His output was prodigious although much of it relates to France and Italy, countries in which he travelled extensively. Provenance: Sotheby’s London 7 December 1993 lot 185, a five volume composite ‘History of England’ by David Hume 1806 with 1,644 plates! It had the bookplate of Richard Henry Alexander Bennet. The prints were collected by the noted Richard Bull (1721-1805) whose daughter was Elizabeth Bull of North Court Manor, Isle of Wight (1749-1809). She left her books to R. H. Alexander Bennet of Beckenham, Kent. The lines round the sheets are typical of Richard Bull, who had put the collection together. Benezit.