[Rarebooks] fs: Scarce 1863 Antique Intaglio Book

[Joslin Hall Rare Books]

Vallentin, James. ONE HUNDRED & EIGHT ENGRAVINGS FROM ANTIQUE GEMS IN THE 
POSSESSION OF VARIOUS COLLECTORS.

Walthamstow: 1863.

"The plates were formerly the property of the Grace Family but now belong 
to James Vallentin, who publishes them for his friends to whom they are 
respectfully presented". This is a very odd item, indeed. The plates are 
from Thomas Worlidge's "A Select Collection of Drawings from Curious 
Antique Gems; most of them in the possession of the nobility and gentry of 
this kingdom; etched after the manner of Rembrandt", published in London in 
1768 and 1780.

Sinkankas devotes a long entry to the history and confusing bibliographic 
description of Worlidge's original work, which was first published in 1768, 
printed on satin and without any text. The first edition with text was the 
1780 edition (still bearing the 1768 date). Although some scholars have 
criticized the engravings as being not accurate representations of the gems 
involved, others contend that this mannerism by the artist has created a 
charming and very period piece of art in itself.

The Grace family republished the plates in a private edition in 1823, as 
noted by Sinkankas, but Sinkankas, that most comprehensive of 
bibliographers, evidently never saw a copy of this edition, nor ever heard 
of it. There is a single copy located on OCLC. A scarce work. Hardcover. 
7.5"x10", title page plus 108 engraved plates; original coarse cloth with 
gilt title; a little cover wear and rubbing, contents with a little minor 
soil, a slight split in the cloth at the top of the spine, running an inch, 
but overall a very nice copy. [02189] $750.00

Illustrations-
<http://www.joslinhall.com/images/th-02189.jpg>


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