Details
KNELLER, Godfrey (Sir) and FABER, John. The Kit-Cat Club done from original paintings of... Kneller by Mr.Faber. London: sold by J.Tonson & J.Faber, 1735.
2° (465 x 322mm.). Mezzotint allegorical title, engraved dedication to the Duke of Somerset, 47 mezzotint portraits, 1 folding, all by John Faber after Kneller, all cut just outside the plate-mark and mounted on toned paper, text of Sir Richard Blackmore's Kit-Kat Club, a Poem inlaid (some plates slightly creased, occasional surface dirt and light scratches). Early 19th-century dark green straight-grained morocco, covers panelled in gilt and blind, spine in six compartments with raised bands, the second and fifth lettered, the others with an overall repeat pattern made up from various small tools, g.e. (joints slightly weak, some old surface scuffing).
FIRST EDITION of the earliest series of portraits to be engraved in mezzotint. The portraits of the leading Whigs who formed the club were painted by Kneller to hang in the room built for the reception of its members at Jacob Tonson's house at Barn Elms. The proportions of the room neccessitated the use of a smaller than usual 36 x 28 inch canvas, known since as a kit-cat.
2° (465 x 322mm.). Mezzotint allegorical title, engraved dedication to the Duke of Somerset, 47 mezzotint portraits, 1 folding, all by John Faber after Kneller, all cut just outside the plate-mark and mounted on toned paper, text of Sir Richard Blackmore's Kit-Kat Club, a Poem inlaid (some plates slightly creased, occasional surface dirt and light scratches). Early 19th-century dark green straight-grained morocco, covers panelled in gilt and blind, spine in six compartments with raised bands, the second and fifth lettered, the others with an overall repeat pattern made up from various small tools, g.e. (joints slightly weak, some old surface scuffing).
FIRST EDITION of the earliest series of portraits to be engraved in mezzotint. The portraits of the leading Whigs who formed the club were painted by Kneller to hang in the room built for the reception of its members at Jacob Tonson's house at Barn Elms. The proportions of the room neccessitated the use of a smaller than usual 36 x 28 inch canvas, known since as a kit-cat.