Frisch, Johann Leonhard

Vorstellung der Vögel Deutchlandes und beyläuffig auch einiger Fremden. Berlin: Friedrich Wilhelm Birnstiel, [1733–34]–63



Folio (14 1/4 x 9 in.; 362 x 229 mm). Plain engraved frontispiece, 252 (of 256) handcolored plates (250 ornithological, 2 plates of bats); worn, text browned, numerous tears to text and plates repaired with various fragments of paper, substantial loss of text in part 1, text moderately browned throughout, tears to all but 32 plates including 8 plates with significant losses to image generally in bottom margin and corner, 21 plates with long tears touching image, 5 plates with both losses and long tears touching remaining image, some offsetting of acidic paper repairs to adjacent plate, marginal soiling. 18th century black calf; worn, joints cracked, hinges repaired with cloth tape, spine ends repaired with calf patches.  

Anker 155; Nissen, ZBI 339

Folio (14 1/4 x 9 in.; 362 x 229 mm). Plain engraved frontispiece, 252 (of 256) handcolored plates (250 ornithological, 2 plates of bats); worn, text browned, numerous tears to text repaired with various fragments of paper, substantial loss of text in part 1, text moderately browned throughout, tears to all but 32 plates including 8 plates with significant losses to image generally in bottom margin and corner, 21 plates with long tears touching image, 5 plates with both losses and long tears touching remaining image, some offsetting of acidic paper repairs to adjacent plate, marginal soiling. 18th century black calf; worn, joints cracked, hinges repaired with cloth tape, spine ends crudely repaired.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

First complete edition.  Begun in 1733, the work was issued in fourteen parts and a supplement. The birds are divided into twelve classes and accompanied by a brief text divided according to the classes into sections, with sub-titles. After the death of Frisch publication was continued by his sons. Just Leopold Frisch prepared the text and was assisted toward the end by Baron Friedrich August von Zorn, who also compiled the comprehensive index. Ferdinand Helfreich Frisch and his brother Philip Jacob engraved and colored most of the plates. The last thirty plates were executed by Ferdinand Helfreich's son Johann Christoph.