Naples, 1757-1792

POMPEII & HERCULANEUM – Le Antichità de Ercolano esposte. Naples: Regia Stamperia, 1755-1792.

First edition of the most important source of neo-classical design, in full red morocco. "The early volumes of the Antichità di Ercolano esposte ... set off the diffusion of the ‘Pompeian taste’ all over Europe" (Paper Palaces). It is the first attempt at a systematic description of the archaeological finds made at Herculaneum during the 18th century. Both the finds and information concerning them were jealously guarded to the extent that the volumes were originally offered "only by the Neapolitan court as a gift to selected personalities and institutions. [However,] the book quickly won fame all over Europe. Beside the antiquarian interest, artists and architects found in the volumes a brand new and fashionable repertory of antique images for their interiors." (ibid). The first five volumes are devoted to paintings, the next two to bronzes, and the last to lamps. Blackmer 37 (2d ed) and 97; Paper Palaces (Topham Collection exhibition catalogue), no. 10.

Nine volumes (including Ottavio Bayardi's Catalogo degli Antichi Monumenti ... de Ercolano bound as vol.IX), folio (475 x 353mm). Half-titles, titles in red and black excluding the Catalogo, each with an engraved vignette. Engraved general title, portrait, one double-page map, 607 plates on 606 sheets including a few double-page and folding plates (only, lacking pls. 65 & 74 in Statue, and one pl. in Lucerne); copious engraved head and tail-pieces and initials, typically one per described plate (scattered minor foxing, nearly all marginal except in Lucerne, Lucerne with intermittent toning and a few leaves stained at bottom margin). Contemporary red morocco (minor scuffing, vol. 3 Pitture with unobtrusive waterstaining to covers and neatly recased with contents cleaned). Provenance: "M" (bookplate) – William Brown, Edinburgh (bookseller's ticket in vol. 9).