ELLIS, TWELVE ETCHINGS OF THE PRINCIPAL VIEWS & PLACES OF INTEREST IN CYPRUS, 1879

FIRST EDITION, LIMITED EDITION, NUMBER 19 OF 25 NUMBERED COPIES WITH PROOF PLATES EACH SIGNED BY THE ARTIST, oblong folio (375 x 535mm.), half-title, title printed in red and black, etching to title, 12 etched plates, each numbered and signed in pencil, contemporary morocco backed boards, lettered in gilt on upper cover, small repair to upper margin of p.iii, expertly rebacked and recornered, lightly rubbed and stained

Cobham-Jeffrey, p.17; Ioannou, Cyprus and the Levant from the Sylvia Ioannou Foundation, I, pp.152-153; not in Blackmer or Atabey

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, 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."

Only 130 sets were produced, of which this is one of 25 artist’s proofs with all the etchings signed and numbered. "Although Ellis [1844-1922] originally studied engineering, he turned to art in 1874, studying with the artist Léon Bonnat in Paris. Perhaps the British acquisition of Cyprus piqued his interest as an artist: in late 1878, beginning with Cyprus, he began a series of journeys in the Levant that were very productive" (ionnou).

The subjects are: The Marina Larnaca. (From the Konak Pier); Nicosia. (From Government House); Nicosia-Saint Sophia; Famagusta Harbour; Famagusta-St. Sophia, Sunset; Famagusta by Moonlight; Bellapais Monastery; Kyrenia Port-Sunrise; Troados-The Stone Firs; Troados-The Summit; Ploughing in Cyprus', and Paphos Harbour.

RARE. COPAC lists only the V&A and Guildhall libraries