Lot 38
  • 38

Ovidius Naso, Publius

Estimate
3,500 - 5,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Ovids Metamorphosis Englished, Mythologiz'd, and represented in figures...By G[eorge]. S[andys]. J.L. for Andrew Hebb, 1640
  • Paper
folio, translation of the first book of Virgil's Aeneid at the end, engraved frontispiece portrait, engraved title and 15 engraved plates by Salomon Savery after Francis Clein, THIS COPY EXTRA-ILLUSTRATED WITH 59 ADDITIONAL ENGRAVED PLATES (scenes from Ovid, Virgil, Homer and other Greek and Roman myths, after designs by Abraham van Diepenbeek), seventeenth-century speckled calf, without final blank, frontispiece repaired and possibly supplied, a few other repairs, occasional slight staining or creasing to some leaves, some margins cut close, re-backed with new endpapers

Provenance

"... Delaporte", signature on title page dated 1722, Latin inscription above; book-label with monogram "I.J.K"; later library shelf label (shelf-mark partially erased)

Literature

STC 18968; Sabin 76460

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing unless otherwise stated
"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."

Catalogue Note

The very fine extra plates here appear to be from the celebrated series of emblematic engravings executed by Matham, Bloemart and others after Diepenbeek's designs which first appeared in the edition of Michel de Marolles' Tableaux du temple des muses tirez du cabinet de feu Mr. Favereau (Paris: Antoine de Sommaville, 1655; Brunet III:1143.)
Sandys had completed the first five books of his translation of the Metamorphoses by 1621, the year he left for Virginia to take up the position as treasurer for the colony. He finished two more books on the voyage, and by the time he returned to England in 1625, the translation was complete. The first edition was published in 1626, Sandys having secured the rights to print and sell the work exclusively for twenty-one years.