Hamilton, Sir William.

4 volumes, folio (495 x 365mm.), engraved title-pages, engraved frontispiece in volume 1, parallel text in English and French (in Italian and French in volume 4), 62+65+64+64 engraved plates (the last one double-page), contemporary green vellum-backed pink boards, volume 3 lacking plate 32, volume 1 without English title-page, 2 plates shaved, occasional light browning, bindings worn, corners bumped

BAL RIBA 3319 (vols 1-3) and cf. 3320 (1809 edition of vol. 4); Blackmer 778 (vols 1-3 only)

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

First edition of Hamilton's substantial publication on Greek vases, taken from his own extensive collections acquired during his time as British Resident in Naples. The plates are for the most part outline drawings and proved a rich source and inspiration for artists such as Henry Fuseli and John Flaxman, the latter producing a series of outline illustrations for the works of Homer, Aeschylus and Dante. These volumes are all the more valuable as a source for Greek vase decoration because a shipload of Hamilton's vases sank in 1798 on their return to Britain.