Gori, Antonio Francesco

GORI, ANTONIO FRANCESCO. Dactyliotheca Smithiana. Volumen primum gemmarum ectypa (Volumen alterum historiam glyptographicam... exhibens). Venice: G.B. Pasquali, 1767 -- 2 volumes, 4to (340 x 245mm.), engraved frontispiece, engraved title-pages, engraved text on dedication leaf, engraved initials, head- and tailpieces, 100 engraved plates in volume 1, engraved illustrations in volume 2, contemporary green morocco gilt with the arms of the earl of Bute, spines gilt in compartments, gilt edges (occasional slight damp-staining, bindings slightly rubbed)

John Stuart, 3rd earl of Bute (1713-1792), armorial stamp on binding (not found in his sale catalogues, Sotheby's, July and October 1961); P.A. Milne-Henderson, bookplate

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Occasional slight damp-staining, bindings slightly rubbed.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.

A catalogue of the sculptured gems in the collection of Joseph Smith (c. 1673-1770), sometime consul at Venice. Smith had provided financial backing for the press of Giambattista Pasquali, the printer both of this work and of the catalogue of Smith's library. After Smith had financial problems in the 1750s, the earl of Bute helped negotiate the purchase of Smith's library, gems and paintings for the young George III, which were acquired in 1762.

The distinctive green binding is identical to that on the Fitzwilliam copy which has the arms of Joseph Smith on the binding (sale, Sotheby's, April 1948, lot 532); this was most likely a presentation copy to the earl of Bute.