- 4
Bateman, James
Estimate
80,000 - 120,000 USD
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Description
- The Orchidaceæ of Mexico & Guatemala. London: J. Ridgway and Sons, for the Author, [1837–] 1843
- paper, ink, leather
Illustration: Uncolored lithographed pictorial title, 40 fine handcolored lithographed plates by P. Gauci after Miss S. A. Drake (16), Mrs. Augusta Withers (21), Miss Jane Edwards (1), Samuel Holden (1) and one unsigned, 33 printed by Gauci, one full-page uncolored plan of epiphyte-houses, 38 wood-engraved vignettes, 2 by George Cruikshank.
Large folio (28 3/4 x 21 in.; 730 x 533 mm). Binding: Contemporary half red morocco gilt, spine gilt in sevencompartments, top compartment with gilt "S" surmounted by an earl's coronet, edges gilt.
Title-page foxed, 12 plates with light spotting. Binding worn and rubbed.
Large folio (28 3/4 x 21 in.; 730 x 533 mm). Binding: Contemporary half red morocco gilt, spine gilt in sevencompartments, top compartment with gilt "S" surmounted by an earl's coronet, edges gilt.
Title-page foxed, 12 plates with light spotting. Binding worn and rubbed.
Literature
Blunt, pp. 249-252; Great Flower Books, p. 73; An Oak Spring Flora 80; Stafleu & Cowan TL2 342
Condition
Title-page foxed, 12 plates with light spotting. Binding worn and rubbed.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
First edition. One of only 125 copies. "The largest, heaviest, but also probably the finest orchid book ever issued" (Great Flower Books). "Bateman's giant folio eclipses the works of all who went before or came after him. Gauci, who executed the forty lithographs (thirty-seven of which were made from drawings by Mrs. Withers or Miss Drake), was a true master of the process; his tone ranges from the palest of silvery greys to the richest velvet black; his outline is never mechanical or obtrusive; and the hand-colouring is executed with consummate skill" (Blunt). The book also has the odd distinction of being the only botanical work with illustrations by George Cruikshank, one of which parodies the volume's massive bulk and the inconvenience thus caused to librarians.
"In this book, the great orchids of Central America live for us in all their glory" (Blunt).