BOYDELL, John and Josiah (publishers). A Set of Prints engraved after the most capital paintings in the collection of... the Empress of Russia. Lately in the collection of the Earl of Orford at Houghton... London: John & Josiah Boydell, 1787-1788.

Complete, first edition of a deluxe publication, and a sumptuous copy, finely bound and with numerous plates in proof state before letters. It records the exceptional collection of paintings assembled by Sir Robert Walpole at Houghton Hall and bought en bloc (in a private sale negotiated by James Christie) by Catherine the Great of Russia, to whom the work is dedicated, in 1779. The collection contained (and here depicted are) Old Masters by Leonardo, Rembrandt, Titian, Rubens, Poussin and others. Many copies sold today are incomplete. Brunet I, 1192; Lowndes III, 856; Upcott II, 990.

2 volumes, elephant folio (675 x 510mm). 5pp. letterpress contents list in French and English in each volume, engraved frontispiece portrait of Empress Catherine in vol.I, mezzotint portrait frontispiece of Robert Walpole by James Watson after Vanloo in vol.II, engraved titles with vignette in each vol., engraved dedication with headpiece in vol. I, 28 plans on 19 leaves of plans, elevations and details of interior decoration at Houghton, 129 mezzotint or engraved plates (11 in proof state before letters) on 108 leaves, one double-page (vol. II frontis. mounted, probably at time of binding, one plate in vol. I just shaved at right edge, four plates with neat internal tear along right plate mark, one with old repair, occasional spotting). Finely bound c. 1825 in blue straight-grained morocco, tooled in gilt and blind, gilt edges, wove paper endleaves and guard leaves watermarked 1825 (discreet repairs at spine and edges).

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