Martyn, Thomas

The Universal Conchologist exhibiting the figure of every known shell, accurately drawn and painted after nature... London: Thomas Martyn, 1784-[1792].



4 volumes, large 4to (404 x 403 mm). In French and English, frontispiece surrounded by Greek key border gilt, two engraved titles and engraved dedication in vol. 1,  single engraved titles other volumes, 160 stipple-engraved plates, all hand-colored under Martyn's direction to resemble original watercolors,  each plate numbered in manuscript (and a few titled in pencil) and tipped onto thick blue paper with a single rule border, 2 tables and one plate of medals; intermittent faint spotting to blue stock mounts throughout, a few plates only with some scattered faint spotting, two plates browned, one engraved title creased. Contemporary straight-grained morocco gilt, probably by Staggemeier and Welcher, roll-tool border gilt of a string of pearls within single filet border, within a wide Greek key border gilt with floral device at corners, spine gilt with green morocco lettering pieces and gilt devices of harps, urns and two compartments at head and tail with gilt conchological device in each, gilt turn-ins and edges; rubbing to spine ends with minor scuffing to sides, light edge wear and corners bumped, minor worming to hinges of last two volumes not affecting text or plates.

Bibliotheque de Gigot D'Orcy (engraved bookplate).

Nissen ZBI 2728

intermittent faint spotting to blue stock mounts throughout, a few plates only with some scattered faint spotting, two plates browned, one engraved title creased; rubbing to spine ends with minor scuffing to sides, light edge wear and corners bumped, minor worming to hinges of last two volumes not affecting text or plates.
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 edition of the rare complete set of martyn's sumptous production.

A work with a complex publishing history, found either in two volumes with 80 plates or, as here, in four volumes with 160 plates (the latter of course the preferred issue, though each are considered complete in themselves). The original 2 volume issue (which Nissen terms the first edition) of 1784-1787 was not up to the standards Martyn had set for the work and so he redrew those 80 plates, focused his young artists more intently on the coloring and issued this new and complete 160 plate edition as found here in 1792 (though the engraved titles remained with the 1784 date). Also added was a 39 page introduction and two engraved plates of medals (though only one is found in the present copy).

The Universal Conchologist is widely regarded as the masterpiece to emerge from Martyn's Academy for Painting Natural History, where young artists under Martyn's direction produced work with such vibrancy and delicacy that it is frequently mistaken for wholly original watercolors.

The 160 plate issue is a traditionally rare set, to the extent that Sir Joseph Banks, who during his voyages with Cook procured many of the specimens depicted herein, was unable to obtain a copy of the four volume set.

It is of note that the present copy is bound nearly exactly as that owned by Ferdinand IV, King of Naples, a "select copy" signed by Martyn (see Sotheby's London, 14 November 2002, lot 53) with the present having more elaborate devices to the spines.