Solntsev, Drevnosti rossiikago, 1849-1853, 6 volumes bound in 9

SOLNTSEV, FEDOR GRIGOREVICH

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

This elaborate description of a wide range of Russian artefacts, from crowns to armour to altarpieces to chalices to church facades, 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.

For a more detailed list of contents, please see online or contact the department.