Herculaneum--Bayardi, Ottavio Antonio, and others

Le antichità di Ercolano esposte. Naples: Regia Stamperia, 1757-1792, first editions, 8 volumes, half-titles, titles printed in red and black with engraved vignette, engraved general title in vol.1, double-page map, 2 portraits (of a possible 8, see footnote), 609 engraved plates (of a possible 610, see footnote), a few double-page, numerous engraved head- and tailpieces and initials throughout

together 9 volumes, folio (485 x 363mm.), uniform contemporary diced russia gilt, gilt edges, somewhat spotted, bindings rebacked



Le antichità di Ercolano esposte comprises:
Le pitture antiche d'Ercolano e contorni. 1757-1779, 5 volumes (vol.1-4 and 7 of the general series), engraved title, map, portrait and 324 plates, lacking 4 portraits (as often), 2Q1 vol.3 paper flaw with very slight loss
De' bronzi di Ercolano e contorni. 1767-1771, 2 volumes (vol.5-6 of the series), 188 engraved plates, lacking 2 portraits (as often), dampstained at end
Le lucerne ed i candelabri d'Ercolano e contorni. 1792, one volume (volume 8), engraved portrait and 97 plates, without the plate at page 6 described by RIBA as "an extra plate"



 

Earl of Gosford, Gosford Castle, Ireland, bookplate; Warwick Castle, modern book label

Blackmer 37 and 97; cf. Berlin Kat. 3947; Cicognara 2645; RIBA Cat. 112 and 224 (second edition)

The condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description
"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."

Presentation copy of the first volume, with a manuscript note in an old hand "Copy given by the King of Naples to Sir William Hamilton & purchased at Sir Williams auction".

Following the publication of Bayardi's catalogue of the finds at Herculaneum, Carlos III, King of the Two Sicilies, founded the Accademia Ercolanense in 1755 to expedite the publication of the illustrated volumes, though Bayardi remained as editor of the first two in the series Le antichità di Ercolano esposte. In all 8 volumes were published over a considerable period (the final volume appeared in 1792, 35 years after volume 1). The work is the most important source in the development of neo-classical art.

Copies of this work are often found lacking many of the portraits, indeed, the Blackmer copy contained only one. The missing plate is described in the RIBA catalogue as 'an extra plate' to be found in the final volume. This copy accords closely to another copy, also in a contemporary binding, sold in these rooms, 13 May 2004, lot 160.