- 208
Adam, Robert.
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
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Description
- Ruins of the Palace of the Emperor Diocletian at Spalatro in Dalmatia. [London]: Printed for the author, 1764
- paper
First edition, folio (530 x 370mm.), 61 numbered engraved plates on 54 sheets, some double-page and/or folding, printed list of subscribers, contemporary red morocco gilt to a design by Robert Adam, gilt edges, modern red morocco-backed cloth folding box by Brockman, a few plates cut close without apparent loss, minor repair to corner of plates 9 and 10, binding slightly rubbed, hinges expertly repaired at head and foot
Literature
BAL RIBA 27; Blackmer 3; Fowler p.3; (see also I.G. Brown '"With an uncommon splendour": the bindings of Robert Adam's Ruins at Spalatro', in Apollo, vol.137, no.371, pp.6-11)
Catalogue Note
A fine presentation binding executed to the designs of Robert Adam.
A number of these bindings are known, with varying degrees of elaboration. The finest were tooled with a broad decorative border and the arms of George III, the dedicatee, probably for royal presentation (copy sold as lot 1, Christie's New York, 14 June 2005). This copy has a more restrained border (see illustration), identical to the Alan G. Thomas copy, sold in these rooms, lot 169, 21-22 June 1993. There are also copies found with this design bound in mottled calf. A pencil note states that this copy belonged to Sir Lawrence Dundas, a subscriber and member of the Society of Dilettanti.
A number of these bindings are known, with varying degrees of elaboration. The finest were tooled with a broad decorative border and the arms of George III, the dedicatee, probably for royal presentation (copy sold as lot 1, Christie's New York, 14 June 2005). This copy has a more restrained border (see illustration), identical to the Alan G. Thomas copy, sold in these rooms, lot 169, 21-22 June 1993. There are also copies found with this design bound in mottled calf. A pencil note states that this copy belonged to Sir Lawrence Dundas, a subscriber and member of the Society of Dilettanti.