An Essay upon Prints, containing Remarks upon the Principles of Picturesque Beauty, the Different Kinds of Prints, and the Characters of the most Noted Masters, illustrated by Criticisms upon Particular Pieces, to which are added Some Cautions that may be useful in Collecting Prints ... Second Edition
London, Printed by G. Scott for J. Robson, 1768 (second edition)/ 1768.
Octavo, xii, [ii] (contents, last blank), 246, [11] (index) pages (with pages [iii]-viii being the 'Preface to the Second Edition').
Bound in modern full kangaroo, lettered in gilt on the spine; edges discoloured; paper a little toned, with occasional light foxing; title page a little discoloured, with a small annotation (two initials) in ink; occasional pencil annotations throughout (possibly noting variations between this and another edition); a very good copy.
'In the third edition, of 1781, the author was revealed to be Revd. William Gilpin. The work was well received both in Britain (where it went through five editions by 1802) and elsewhere in Europe. Besides Gilpin's opinions on various print-makers it contains the first, vague outline of his ideas on the Picturesque' (Royal Academy catalogue record for this title).
Item #124032
Price (AUD):
$550.00