December 2012 Auction Ends Tuesday, December 18th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/18/2012
Five gorgeous folio volumes comprise the landmark works that brought about the Neoclassical period in architecture. Combined, the volumes contain hundreds of etchings and plates drawn to scale, including such monumental icons of Grecian architecture as the Acropolis. The first four of the heavily illustrated volumes are ''Antiquites d'Athenes,'' published by CP Landon: Paris: 1808, 1810, 1812, & 1822. Architects and painters James Stuart and Nicolas Revett were the first to create a detailed architectural survey of the ruins of Athens, which they published in English in 1762. This is the first French-language translation, printed to meet demand as Neoclassicism ignited across Europe. Complemented by the fifth tome in the lot, which is heavily illustrated with meticulous scale drawings of the structures surviving in the ancient Attica region on the southeast coast: ''Les Antiquites Inedites de l'Attique.'' Published by Firmin Didot Freres: Paris: 1832. This volume was crafted by the Society of the Dilettanti and translated to French by Hittorff. The 18th century art and architectural world was ripe for a backlash against the elaborate melodrama and excesses of the preceding Rococo and Baroque periods, and these books directly inspired the active return to the idealistic simplicity of Greek classical style. The four Stuart/Nicolas volumes all measure 12.25'' x 18.25''. Volumes 1-3 are bound in red half morocco with gilt accents, and Volume 4 is bound in tangerine leather boards with gilt accents. Volume 4 shows leather loss to the backstrip exposing about 2'' of the spine at its base. The Dilettanti book is bound in tangerine textured paper boards and measures 13'' x 19.5''. It shows a few inches of cracking to the front exterior hinge from the bottom edge, and a chip to the lower quarter of the backstrip. The expected foxing, toning, and light staining to leaves are present throughout the series, as are scattered abrasions to the exteriors. All five books are in very good condition, especially given age. An impressive collection.
Stuart & Revett's 5-Volume Book Set, ''Antiquites d'Athenes'' -- Famous Architectural Study
Click above for larger image.