William Blake

Engravings, 1823-25, the complete set of 22 plates including the title page, fine, early impressions, from the 'Proof' edition of 150 sets printed on India paper affixed to wove paper, published in March 1826, four support sheets with the watermark J Whatman Turkey Mill 1825, bound by Riviere & Sons in early nineteenth-century straight grained green morocco gilt, spine in compartments with raised bands gilt

With wide margins, in generally good condition apart from pale scattered mottling (as is usual with these sets printed on India paper laid on wove), a few handling creases in the margins, occasional surface dirt, plate 14 with a soft and shallow diagonal fold in lower margin (mainly visible verso), plate 21 with a light finger-print at upper right margin. The boards with some scuff marks, extremeties rubbed, upper board repaired.
"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."

Despite the engraved imprint of 1825 on each plate, Illustrations of the Book of Job was not published until 1826, as printed on the label found in some sets. There were 215 sets printed with the word 'Proof' engraved on the bottom-right corner of each plate, of which 150 sets were printed on India paper laid onto J Whatman Turkey Mill 1825 wove paper and another 65 on 'French' wove paper. The word 'Proof' was then removed from the plates and a further 100 sets were printed on J Whatman wove paper.

In his Bibliography of William Blake (1921), Geoffrey Keynes distinguishes two forms of the first printing of the India paper proofs: one on large paper bearing the watermark J Whatman Turkey Mill 1825; the other on slightly smaller paper. The present set is from the earlier printing which are on the larger sheets of paper. These were made in an unspecified small number and are uncommon.

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