- 96
Bateman, James
Estimate
100,000 - 150,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- printed book
The Orchidaceae of Mexico and Guatemala. London: for the author, James Ridgeway & Sons, [1837–1843]
Large folio (29 x 20 1/2 in.; 737 x 521 mm). Lithographed title by J. Brandard, engraved dedication to Queen Adelaide, 40 hand-colored lithographed plates by M. Gauci after drawings by Miss. S. A. Drake, Miss Jane Edwards, Samuel Holden, and Mrs. Augusta Withers, wood-engraved vignettes by George Cruikshank and others, list of subscribers, "Addenda et Corrigenda" slip at end (but without "Directions to the Binder" slip); title and dedication leaf foxed, scattered foxing in text; about 20 of the plates with varying degrees of foxing (most plates foxed or dampstained on reverse, some text leaves browned and some with small tears repaired at margins. Later half red morocco gilt, red buckram covers, edges gilt, marbled endpapers.
Large folio (29 x 20 1/2 in.; 737 x 521 mm). Lithographed title by J. Brandard, engraved dedication to Queen Adelaide, 40 hand-colored lithographed plates by M. Gauci after drawings by Miss. S. A. Drake, Miss Jane Edwards, Samuel Holden, and Mrs. Augusta Withers, wood-engraved vignettes by George Cruikshank and others, list of subscribers, "Addenda et Corrigenda" slip at end (but without "Directions to the Binder" slip); title and dedication leaf foxed, scattered foxing in text; about 20 of the plates with varying degrees of foxing (most plates foxed or dampstained on reverse, some text leaves browned and some with small tears repaired at margins. Later half red morocco gilt, red buckram covers, edges gilt, marbled endpapers.
Literature
Great Flower Books p. 48; Nissen BBI 89; Pritzel 470; Stafleu TL2 342
Condition
Condition as described in 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.
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. One of 125 copies. "The largest, heaviest, but also probably the finest orchid book ever issued" (Great Flower Books).
"Bateman's giant folio eclipses the works of all who went before or came after him. Gauci, who executed the forty lithographs (thirty-seven of which were made from drawings by Mrs. Withers or Miss Drake), was a true master of the process: his tone ranges from the palest of silvery greys to the richest velvet black; his outline is never mechanical or obtrusive; and the hand-colouring is executed with consummate skill. In this book, the great orchids of central America live for us in all their glory" (Blunt, The Art of Botanical Illustration). The book also has the odd distinction of being the only botanical work with illustrations by George Cruikshank, one of which parodies the volume's massive bulk and the inconvenience thus caused to librarians.
"Bateman's giant folio eclipses the works of all who went before or came after him. Gauci, who executed the forty lithographs (thirty-seven of which were made from drawings by Mrs. Withers or Miss Drake), was a true master of the process: his tone ranges from the palest of silvery greys to the richest velvet black; his outline is never mechanical or obtrusive; and the hand-colouring is executed with consummate skill. In this book, the great orchids of central America live for us in all their glory" (Blunt, The Art of Botanical Illustration). The book also has the odd distinction of being the only botanical work with illustrations by George Cruikshank, one of which parodies the volume's massive bulk and the inconvenience thus caused to librarians.