Details
KNELLER, Godfrey (Sir) & FABER, John. The Kit-Cat Club done from original paintings of... Kneller by Mr.Faber. London: sold by J.Tonson & J.Faber, 1735.
2° (527 x 293mm.). Mezzotint allegorical title, engraved dedication to the Duke of Somerset, 47 mezzotint portraits, 1 double-page, exta-illustrated with an original engraved receipt by G.Vander Gucht mounted on front free-endpaper (some marginal browning or spotting). Late-19th century red morocco gilt, g.e., by Riviere & Son (neatly rebacked with the original spine laid down, corners bumped).
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° (527 x 293mm.). Mezzotint allegorical title, engraved dedication to the Duke of Somerset, 47 mezzotint portraits, 1 double-page, exta-illustrated with an original engraved receipt by G.Vander Gucht mounted on front free-endpaper (some marginal browning or spotting). Late-19th century red morocco gilt, g.e., by Riviere & Son (neatly rebacked with the original spine laid down, corners bumped).
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.