- 262
Stephens, Henry Louis, illustrator
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- A fine group of 6 illustrated, large 4to nursery rhymes in limited edition “proof impressions,” one of 100 copies, all in publisher’s maroon pebbled gilt-stamped pictorial cloth:
- paper
— Old Mother Hubbard. [New York: Julius Bien for Hurd & Houghton, 1865]. Plates by Bien after H. L. Stephens. A few marginal spots, head and foot of spine chipped. — A Frog he would A Wooing Go. New York: J. Bien [for Hurd & Houghton, 1864]. Some spotting and soiling, front endleaf renewed, head and foot of spine mended, minor cockling on upper cover and a few small stains. — Death and Burial of Poor Cock Robin. New York: J. Bien [for Hurd & Houghton, 1864]. Some spotting and soiling, head and foot of spine chipped and partially mended, a few stains on covers.
Literature
Mahoney-Latimer-Folmsbee, p. 440 (citing the 2 volume format)
Condition
see cataloguing
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
Limited editions, each one of 100 proof copies printed for subscribers according to the printed limitation statement on the verso of each title-page, in the rare original issue (not the later 2-volume compilation). The set includes six lithographed titles on pink grounds with large circular vignette illustrations and decorative gold borders, plus a total of 86 leaves printed on rectos only, each with a full-page gray-tinted mounted lithograph, on card.
Stephens (1824-1882) has been called "the father of the American picture book" and his humanized animals anticipates the toybooks of Walter Crane and Randolph Caldecott. Like his contemporary Thomas Nast, Stephens was a gifted caricaturist who frequently includes some satire in his pictures.