[Rarebooks] fs: Curious Ancient Gem book

[Joslin Hall Rare Books, ABAA]

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


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

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