- 2
Bateman, James.
Estimate
50,000 - 70,000 GBP
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Description
- The Orchidaceae of Mexico and Guatemala. [London: J. Ridgway and Sons, 1837-1843]
- paper
First edition, one of only 125 copies, elephant folio (724 x 510mm.), lithographed title by J. Brandard, engraved dedication to Queen Adelaide, list of subscribers, 40 hand-coloured lithographed plates by M. Gauci after Miss S.A. Drake, Miss Jane Edwards, Samuel Holden and Mrs Augusta Withers, printed by M. Gauci, wood-engraved vignettes by George Cruikshank and others, extra-illustrated with three mounted wood-engravings on two leaves tipped-in to front-free endpaper, proofs after Cruickshank relating to the work (spotted), near contemporary black half morocco, [Great Flower Books, p.48; Nissen BBI 89; Stafleu TL2 342], Lennox Library, New York, duplicate inkstamp on verso of title, Worthing Public Library, bookplate, presented by W.H.B. Fletcher, some spotting as usual, binding somewhat worn
Condition
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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
"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. In this book, the great orchids of central America live for us in all their glory'' (Blunt, The Art of Botanical Illustration).
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.
''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. In this book, the great orchids of central America live for us in all their glory'' (Blunt, The Art of Botanical Illustration).
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.