Raphael

Seven engraved plates by Gribelin after Raphael, with printed titles in English and Latin with Royal Arms, (plate size: 7 1/4 x 8 1/2 in.; 185 x 215 mm. Sheet size: 10 x 13 3/4 in; 253 x 348 mm), pen-and-ink and wash drawing of the Royal Arms by Gribelin bound in at front, autograph note signed by George Daniel ("Canonbury, 1856) on front flyleaf, calling this the "Artist's presentation copy to Queen Anne," calligraphic title/dedication leaf by Gribelin; drawing lightly browned, very minor scattered foxing and browning on some plates.  Contemporary presentation binding in red morocco gilt by Robert Steel for Queen Anne, spine gilt in seven compartments, covers with outer panel of floral roll enclosed by triple fillets, enclosing intricate leafy designs incorporating vases, bunches of grapes, suns, clusters of volutes and various drawer-handle tools, large leafy fronds, circles, etc., gilt dentelles, red and violet Dutch endpapers with richly decorated floral and leafy gilt design incorporating various animals and birds (including deer, peacock, eagle, duck) and other figures with central German crests of double-headed eagle with scepter and orb; some wear at edges, some fading to endpapers. Red half morocco gilt clamshell case.

Sold Sotheby's London, 10 July 2003, lot 64 — Bernard Quaritch Ltd.

As described in catalogue entry.
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.

A splendid presentation volume for Queen Anne, with a drawing of her coat-of-arms and a calligraphic title-page by Simon Gribelin and a magnificent presentation binding. A number of the tools used in the binding seem to confirm that this is the work of Robert Steel, previously apprenticed to Samuel Mearne from 1688 to 1675 and established as a master binder in his own right from 1677.

The French engraver Simon Gribelin II (1661–1733) was a Hugenot who moved to London and became a member of the Clockmakers Company in 1686.  He published two books of prints intended as pattern books, A Book of Severall Ornaments (1682) and A Book of Ornaments Usefull to Jewellers Watchmakers and all other Artists (1697).  In 1707 Gribelin was the first engraver to reproduce the Raphael Cartoons from the Royal Collection on display at Hampton Court (now on loan to the Victoria and Albert Museum). These prints had a significant influence on the development of printmaking in England.  Later he executed engravings for works by Dryden, Lord Shaftsbury, and, particularly, Alexander Pope. There appears to be no record of any earlier published edition collecting the present engravings by Gribelin.

The autograph note by George Daniel (1836) refers to this volume as "Large Paper, Unique … the Artist's Presentation Copy to Queen Anne: With his original Drawing for the Royal Arms, & Autograph Dedication to Her Majesty, beautifully executed