Sue Berman talks with Andrew Henry about the 18th century publication popularly known as Picart's Ceremonies.
Picart’s Ceremonies is a beautifully illustrated seven volume work with over 260 plates of engravings by Bernard Picart who was one of the most famous engravers and book-illustrators of the time. Much of the text that accompanies these images was written by Jean Frederic Bernard, a successful book publisher, although his name never appeared on any of the editions.
What made this such a revolutionary work was that Bernard & Picart try to present as positive a version of other beliefs to their European readers who were largely Christians. To achieve this, they focus on ritual rather than discussions of doctrine. The illustrations depict events familiar to all humanity, rituals for births, deaths, marriages and processions.
The ceremonies and religious customs... was initially written in French and published in Amsterdam by Jean Frederic Bernard between 1723 and 1737. Dutch (1726-1738), English (1733-1739), and German (1746) editions followed.
The Auckland Libraries' copies were donated by Henry Shaw and Norman Spencer. You can view the English edition at Auckland Libraries Heritage Collection reading room Level 2 of the Central City Library.
Read more at our Heritage et AL blog http://heritageetal.blogspot.com/2016/07/bernard-picarts-ceremonies-book-that.html
Catalogue Record: https://discover.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1963838
The ceremonies and religious customs of the various nations of the known world: together with historical annotations, and several curious discourses are equally instructive and entertaining .Written originally in French, and illustrated with a large Number of folio copper plates, all beautifully designed by Mr. Bernard Picart, And curiously Engraved by most of the best hands in Europe. Faithfully translated into English, by a gentleman, some time since of St. John's College in Oxford. Printed by William Jackson, for Claude du Bosc, Engraver at the Golden Head in Charles-Street, Covent Garden| MDCCXXXIII. [1733]
