Author: Walmsley, Edward (named in dedication to George IV)
Title: PHYSIOGNOMICAL PORTRAITS. One Hundred Distinguished Characters. From undoubted Originals. Engraved in the Line Manner, by the most Eminent British Artists. VOLUME FIRST.
Description: London, John Major, Robert Jennings & Robert Triphook first edition. 1822 - 1824 Plates (52) on India paper including pictorial engraved titlepage and engraved portrait to dedication, by Sir Thomas. Lawrence, Vandyke and many other famous artists, engrav. Subscriber's copy of Volume I only, PROOFS (No. 97), quarto half red morocco gilt on 5 raised bands with pebbled cloth sides, spine extra gilt in compartments (corners bumped but no wear or splits, cloth a bit spotted) All Edges Gilt. Unpaginated, engraved Vol.I title 1822 + printed title 1824 + contents list +[8]pp Address (in English and in French) + engraved dedication to George IV with portrait + 5 Parts each with 10 Plates, Part 1st (1821) starting with Charles I - Part 5th ending with George Villiers Duke of Buckingham. Each Part has its PROOF sheets as issued + [4]pp explanatory text before each plate, with price 2 Guineas per part. In this PROOF volume the subjects are not in alphabetical order as they were later issued in 1824 (2 volumes). Two portaits have a tidemark of former damp, some proof leaves are stained or bit foxed, a few small marginal tears to text leaves not touching text, plates and text pages on heavy paper white and clean throughout. Tissue guards all present. *Beautifully engraved cameo portraits of kings, generals, authors and other famous people, each with interesting explanatory text, in rare 1st issue volume of proof Parts.

Keywords: portraits biography engravings proofs


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