Author: Henry Bell
Title: An Historical Essay on the Original of Painting
Description: London, J. Worrall, 1728 . First edition. Leather. The very scarce first edition of this study of the history of the origins of painting, beginning prior to the great flood, and concluding in 1276. The very scarce first edition of British architect Henry Bell's posthumously published study of the history of painting as an art form.Bell, who designed many buildings in West Norfolk and contributed to the rebuilding of London following the great fire, discussed the likelihood of painting originating prior to the Biblical flood in the first part of the work, and its 'commencement again after the flood, and its progress through several nations' up until 1276 in the second part.Lacking the title page and prefatory leaf.With three pages of publisher's advertisements to the rear. ESTC reference no. T10542. With pages 45, 46, 47 and 48 misnumbered 46, 45, 48 and 47, as called for.With the armorial bookplate of Sir Archibald Grant, 2nd Baronet of Monymusk (1969-1778), to the front pastedown, and an inscription dedicating the work to him to the head of the first leaf of text. A further contemporary inscription to the front free endpaper refers to Isaac Newton, who died the year prior to the publication of this work.A very scarce early eighteenth century study of the origins of painting. In a half morocco binding, with marbled paper covered boards. Significant rubbing and loss of leather to back strip. Loss of leather to board corners. Light discolouration to boards. Armorial bookplate to front pastedown. Inscription to front free endpaper. Internally, firmly bound. Lacking two leaves, the title page and preface. Inscription to head of first leaf of text. Pages generally clean and bright, with only the odd spot. Very Good . Ill.: None. Very Good .

Keywords: history of art history of painting henry bell history of painting None


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