Xavery, Gerard Joseph

2 parts in one volume, 4to (298 x 245mm.), hand-coloured engravings throughout (title-page and 16 plates in each part), captions in Dutch in first part, and in Dutch, French and German in second part (translated by Florentius H.J. van Halen), text areas covered with a yellow wash, nineteenth-century marbled boards with later cream leather spine, first leaf laid down and slightly soiled

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Xavery (1700-1747), an artist from Antwerp who settled in The Hague, produced these two series of scenarios containing characters from the Commedia dell'arte. The first depicts the life of Harlequin's son from birth and breast-feeding to schooling, and the second shows the trials in love of Colombine, Harlequin and Pierrot.