Lot 207
  • 207

SOLNTSEV, DREVNOSTI ROSSIIKAGO, 1849-1853, 6 VOLUMES BOUND IN 9

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Drevnosti rossiiskago gosudarstva, izdanniya po vysochaishemu povelniyu. Otdlenie I (-VI) [Antiquities of the Russian State, published by the highest command]. Moscow: Aleksandr Semen, 1849-1853
6 volumes bound in 9 (first 3 volumes each bound in 2), folio (583 x 420mm.), chromolithographed title-pages in Russian, 470 (of 508) chromolithographic plates, each plate (approx. 530 x 385mm.) tipped to card mounts with cloth hinges, old morocco-backed cloth boards, without text volume, lacking title-page in French, lacking 38 plates (some supplied in photocopy), occasional staining or foxing, tissue guards torn and creased, bindings damaged and crudely repaired; sold as a collection of plates not subject to return

Condition

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."

Catalogue Note

This elaborate description of a wide range of Russian artefacts was conceived by A.N. Olenin, President of the Academy of Arts, and undertaken with the patronage of Nicholas I. The print run was a modest 600 copies. Contents of volumes (and lacking plate numbers):

Ia: main title-page, section title, plates 1-54
Ib: plates 55-112; lacking 5 plates (66, 77, 79, 86, 91)
IIa: section title, plates 1-51; lacking 8 plates (11, 12, 23, 24, 34, 35, 38, 39)
IIb: main title-page, plates 52-101
IIIa: section title, plates 1-73; lacking 1 plate (13, supplied in facsimile)
IIIb: plates 74-147; lacking 12 plates (83, 93, 95, 105, 112, 114, 133-138, all supplied in facsimile)
IV: section title, plates 1-37
V: section title, plates 1-72; lacking 10 plates (18, 30, 39, 41, 42, 43, 45, 48, 56, 69; also with a gap between plates 9 and 10)
VI: section title, plates 1-39; lacking 1 plate (10)