- 8
Elliot, Daniel Giraud.
Estimate
6,500 - 8,500 GBP
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Description
- A Monograph of the Pittidae, or Family of Ant-Thrushes. New York: D. Appleton & Co, [1861]-1863
- paper
First edition, folio (540 x 355mm.), dedication leaf to Philip Lutley Sclater, list of subscribers, 31 hand-coloured lithographed plates, contemporary green half morocco, gilt edges, modern green cloth box, [Fine Bird Books, p. 95; Nissen IVB 292; Sabin 22228 (noting that only 200 copies were printed); Wood, p.332; Zimmer, p. 208]
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
A fine copy of the scarcest of Elliot’s major monographs.
“Elliot was not his own painter, except among the Pittas. Early in his career, in 1863, he had brought out his book on the Pittidae, or Ant-Thrushes with plates of a delightful... character, after his own drawings” (Fine Bird Books). Elliot's chosen illustrator, Paul Louis Oudart, died after completing only 3 plates, and rather than risk a hurried instruction to another artist, Elliot “felt compelled to turn draughtsman myself” (preface) and executed all of the other drawings, bar one each by Maubert and Mesnel. The illustrations and indeed the birds themselves represent the pinnacle of Elliot's pictorial work. When a second edition of this work was issued most of the plates were redrawn by John Gould's artist, William Hart, and the text was completely rewritten.
“Elliot was not his own painter, except among the Pittas. Early in his career, in 1863, he had brought out his book on the Pittidae, or Ant-Thrushes with plates of a delightful... character, after his own drawings” (Fine Bird Books). Elliot's chosen illustrator, Paul Louis Oudart, died after completing only 3 plates, and rather than risk a hurried instruction to another artist, Elliot “felt compelled to turn draughtsman myself” (preface) and executed all of the other drawings, bar one each by Maubert and Mesnel. The illustrations and indeed the birds themselves represent the pinnacle of Elliot's pictorial work. When a second edition of this work was issued most of the plates were redrawn by John Gould's artist, William Hart, and the text was completely rewritten.