HERCULANEUM. Le Pitture Antiche d' Ercolano..., Naples: Regia Stamperia, 1757-79, volumes I-II, IV- V only (of 5), 2°, double-page map and 50 engraved plates in vol I including portrait and engraved title, 59 engraved plates in vol II including portrait, 70 engraved plates in vol IV including portrait and 82 engraved plates in vol V including portrait, vignettes on text (some light offsetting, vol. II dampstained on final leaves), non uniform binding, volume I contemporary calf (worn), other volumes contemporary red morocco gilt (rubbed, slightly frayed) -- De' Bronzi di Ercolano e contorni incisi con qualche spiegazione, Naples: Regia Stamperia, 1767-71, 2 volumes, 2°, 179 engraved plates in 178 sheets, contemporary calf gilt with armorial device to covers (rubbed) -- Catalogo degli antichi monumenti dissotterrati dalla discoperta citta di Ercolano, Naples: Regia Stamperia, 1755, volume I [all published], 2°, second ediiton, contemporary calf gilt with armorial device (rubbed). [Brunet I, 314; Blackmer 37 & 97; Cicognara 2645] The lot sold not subject to return. (7)

Details

HERCULANEUM. Le Pitture Antiche d' Ercolano..., Naples: Regia Stamperia, 1757-79, volumes I-II, IV- V only (of 5), 2°, double-page map and 50 engraved plates in vol I including portrait and engraved title, 59 engraved plates in vol II including portrait, 70 engraved plates in vol IV including portrait and 82 engraved plates in vol V including portrait, vignettes on text (some light offsetting, vol. II dampstained on final leaves), non uniform binding, volume I contemporary calf (worn), other volumes contemporary red morocco gilt (rubbed, slightly frayed) -- De' Bronzi di Ercolano e contorni incisi con qualche spiegazione, Naples: Regia Stamperia, 1767-71, 2 volumes, 2°, 179 engraved plates in 178 sheets, contemporary calf gilt with armorial device to covers (rubbed) -- Catalogo degli antichi monumenti dissotterrati dalla discoperta citta di Ercolano, Naples: Regia Stamperia, 1755, volume I [all published], 2°, second ediiton, contemporary calf gilt with armorial device (rubbed). [Brunet I, 314; Blackmer 37 & 97; Cicognara 2645] The lot sold not subject to return. (7)

Lot Essay

This set of Le Antichita di Ercolano esposte lacks volume III of Paintings and the final volume of Lamps. Volumes I and II of paintings were edited by Ottavio Bayardi who also produced the preliminary catalogue of finds. "The illustrated volumes of antiquities published under the direction of the Royal Herculaneum Society, founded in 1755, represent the first attempt at a systematic record of all the discoveries made during the excavations at Herculaneum carried out under the aegis of the King of the Two Sicilies, Charles III," writes Leonora Navarni. "The excavations and their results were jealously guarded throughout the century; it was difficult even to acquire the publications which described them. Most volumes were presented as gifts by the king; George III is supposed to have ordered 500 sets for the English dilettanti." See illustration opposite.

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