History of Portrait Miniatures 1904 - George.C.Williamson, Litt.D

George Bell and Sons, London, 1904. Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. No Dust Jacket. First Edition. Two volumes in white cloth with exquisite decorations to the front boards and titles. The top edges of the two volumes are gilted. The two volumes are illustrated with 107 plates with lettered tissue-guards, most with multiple images. Each contains an average of 8 to 10 portrait miniatures. There is an Index of Artists whose works are depicted. The two volumes in-folio (40×30 cm). Edition of 520 copies of which 510 were for sale. It will not be reprinted. The bindings are tight and firm and there are no bumpings or other blemishes to the corners except for a minor dent to the right hand top corner of Volume II. There are age-accumulated minor surface dust marks on the boards, as is to be expected in a publication produced over a century ago and a few handling marks. The front and back pastedowns and front and back endpapers in Volume I show signs of age-toning. There are no such blemishes in Volume II. The text blocks show no blemishes except early signs of age-toning. There are no tears, losses or creases on the pages in either volume. There are no inscriptions or annotations. The two volumes contain a history of portrait miniatures from the period 1531 – 1860. Williamson compiled a comprehensive account of the art of miniature portrait painting as exhibited in the great collections of the United Kingdom and the Continent. The condition of the two volumes is a remarkable testament to the care and attention their previous owners have given to their preservation. Scholarly exposition of a fascinating branch of art history. Locus classicus on the subject. This two-volume set is worthy of its place on the shelves of an educational institution, museum. gallery or a dedicated collector of antiquarian books.

Condition : In very good condition.
Origin : American
Manufacture Date : 1904