A collection of 300 etchings based on works by French artist Claude le Lorrian (Claude Gelee). Widely considered a landmark in the reproduction of master artworks (and a precursor to modern catalogue raisonnés), this is the second edition, a reprint of the first from 1777-1819 with etchings from the original plates. The drawings by Claude Lorrain were done by Richard Earlom, using etching for Claude's pen lines and mezzotint for the ink washes. The table directory lists sales of individual etchings up to 1843, helping to date this edition.

Small Folios, Three Volumes. In Good plus condition. Bound in half contemporary red morocco with paneled spine, elegant gilt decoration on spine, two dark green labels. Marbled paper boards and endpapers. All edges gilt. With some general shelfwear, including boards with moderate wear to edges and corners, light wear to joints, and light wear overall. Slight bowing to boards. Text blocks have light wear to gilt edges. Light age-toning and foxing throughout. Ex-libris (partially removed or worn) on front pastedown of all three volumes.

Complete with all 300 mezzotint plates printed in sepia plus frontispiece portraits of Claude, Earlom, and John Boydell.

MU Consignment. Shelved case 8 1/4