Antique Ornamental Architecture. A Collection of Antique Vases.. Henry Moses c1814.

by Moses, Henry

A Collection of Antique Vases, Altars, Paterae, Tripods, Candelabra, Sarcophagi, &c. from various museums and collections. Engraved on 170 plates by Henry Moses with historical essays.
Published in London by J. Taylor, No 39 High Holborn, and printed by Richard and Arthur Taylor of Shoe Lane. 1814 (First Edition).  All 151 copperplate-engravings present. Each shows "Published by H. Moses.. 1811".

Rebound in fine half roan with roan corners and a lovely red marbled paper. Gilt title on spine between raised boards. Internally the thick pages are very foxed. Deckle-edged pages 225 x 185mm (8.75 x 7.15). The majority of engravings are approx. 14cm x 10cm (5.5 x 4 inches). Bound book measures approximately 23 x 19 x 35cm (9 1/4 x 7 1/2 x 1 1/2 inches).
Most engravings were left uncoloured, however a few have contemporary watercolour to represent early Greek pottery with red-brown ochres and black. Mostly archaelological antiquities, but plates 103-121 include excellent, slightly larger, very detailed engravings of ancient architecture (mostly of Rome) "in which Vases, Cinerary Urns, and Sarcophagi were deposited". These "are taken from Bartoli and other celebrated authorities", and include a beautiful engraving of "The Mausoleum of Hadrian now called the Castle of St. Angelo").

This wonderful book is dedicated: To Thomas Hope, Esq. whose knowledge, taste, and judgement command the esteem of all who profess and love the fine arts, this work is inscribed, in token gratitude for various acts of kindness, by his most obliged and obedient humble servant, Henry Moses.
Moses goes on to say “The study of the unrivalled works of the ancients is essential to the establishment of good taste and correct judgement, and has laid the foundation of those excellencies which have given celebrity to all the distinguished artists of modern times. Many of the most admirable productions of antiquity are however inaccessible to students, whose limited income will not allow of their travelling to see them;… I therefore conceived that I should perform an acceptable service to the lovers and professors of the Arts, if I were to select from various Museums, Collections, and Cabinets, such of the most esteemed monuments of ancient times, as would tend to improve the judgement, and refine the taste of the Student.”

Shipment cost may vary, depending on destination. Please enquire to sales@antiqueprintclub.com