(Italian Costume)

A fine collection of 41 original and vividly rendered watercolor drawings (9 3/4 x 7 5/8 in.; 245 x 195 mm) mounted on brown paper stock (14 x 11 in.; 355 x 290 mm), many with English captions, of which 6 are subjects from Antonio Bicci's I Contadini della Toscana (1796); possibly Bicci's originals, and 16 drawings identified by a manuscript note as being by Gatto; scattered foxing on approximately 16 drawings. Nineteenth-century half green morocco over marbled boards, marbled endpapers, the spine in 6 compartments lettered "Italian Costumes" in gilt; spine faded, extremities rubbed.  

James Whatman (bookplate)

A fine collection of 41 original and vivivdly rendered watercolor drawings (9 3/4 x 7 5/8 in.; 245 x 195 mm) mounted on brown paper stock (14 x 11 in.; 355 x 290 mm), many with English captions, of which 6 are subjects from Antonio Bicci's I Contadini della Toscana (1796); possibly Bicci's originals, and 16 drawings identified by a manuscript note as being by Gatto; scattered foxing on approximately 16 drawings. Nineteenth-century half green morocco over marbled boards, marbled endpapers, the spine in 6 compartments lettered "Italian Costumes" in gilt; spine faded, extremities rubbed.
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.

Eleven of the drawings are after plates in Bicci's I Contadini della Toscana (see lot 27). The plates copied are in this order: 29, 17, 16, 53, 34, 10, 60, 1, 3, 22, and 23.  Of these two drawings are variants of the finished plates.