- 1
Adam, Robert
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- paper
Ruins of the Palace of the Emperor Diocletian at Spalatro in Dalmatia. [London:] Printed for the author, 1764
Folio (21 x 15 in.; 534 x 380 mm). Engraved frontispiece (numbered 1), 60 engraved plates (numbered 2-61) printed on 53 leaves by F. Bartolozzi, E. Rooker, F. Patton, P. Santini, A. Walker, D. Cunego, J. Bassire and Antonio Zucchi; title and frontispiece dust-soiled, some marginal soiling especially in the beginning, occasional marginal spotting. Contemporary calf with gilt roll-tooled border; spine gone, covers loose, worn.
Folio (21 x 15 in.; 534 x 380 mm). Engraved frontispiece (numbered 1), 60 engraved plates (numbered 2-61) printed on 53 leaves by F. Bartolozzi, E. Rooker, F. Patton, P. Santini, A. Walker, D. Cunego, J. Bassire and Antonio Zucchi; title and frontispiece dust-soiled, some marginal soiling especially in the beginning, occasional marginal spotting. Contemporary calf with gilt roll-tooled border; spine gone, covers loose, worn.
Provenance
G.H. Polley & Co., Boston (bookseller's ticket on front pastedown)
Literature
Berlin Cat. 1893; Fowler 2; Millard, British 1
Condition
title and frontispiece dust-soiled, some marginal soiling especially in the beginning, occasional marginal spotting. Contemporary calf with gilt roll-tooled border; spine gone, covers loose, worn.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
First edition. Recently succeeding to his father's (William Adam) architectural practice, along with his brothers John and James, Robert set off on a Grand Tour to increase his understanding of the field and demonstrate his sensibility. He travelled to Dalmatia in July 1757 with his manservant Donald, his teacher Charles-Louis Clérisseau (largely responsible for the drawings), and two draftsmen. After a stay of a bit more than five weeks, he began his return trip to London, where he persuaded his cousin William Robertson to write the dedication and the preface for the book, while Clérisseau arranged for the engraving of his drawings in Venice.
The resulting publication provides an elaborate description of a rare private residence of the Imperial period. Of this publication Edward Gibbon remarked (The Decline and Fall, chap. 12): "There is reason to suspect that the elegance of his designs and engravings has somewhat flattered the objects which it was their purpose to represent."
The resulting publication provides an elaborate description of a rare private residence of the Imperial period. Of this publication Edward Gibbon remarked (The Decline and Fall, chap. 12): "There is reason to suspect that the elegance of his designs and engravings has somewhat flattered the objects which it was their purpose to represent."