BRU DE RAMON, Juan Bautista (1740-1799). Coleccion de laminas que representan los animales y monstruos del Real Gabinete de historia natural de Madrid. Madrid: Andres de Sotos, 1784-1786.

First edition, handsomely bound and with all plates with contemporary hand-colouring. According to Palau this is a rare work, and particularly so if complete. The zoologist and artist Juan Battista Bru was appointed artist and ‘dissector’ at the Royal Cabinet of Natural History in Madrid (later Museo Nacional de Ciencia), undertaking zoological dissections and scientific studies. His illustrations here are based on actual specimens in the museum, representing mammals, birds, reptiles and fish from Latin America, China, South Africa and elsewhere. The work is complete with 71 plates, as here. Brunet I, 5645 (citing the Banks copy, extra-illustrated, with 101 plates); Nissen (ZBI 616 citing the Banks copy only); Palau 36258.

2 volumes, small folio (278 x 188mm). Engraved additional title in each volume, 71 hand-coloured engraved plates (an occasional light spot). Contemporary Spanish tree calf, gilt border on sides, flat spine gilt and with red leather labels, red edges (faintly rubbed at extremities). Provenance: Julio Martinez Santa-Olalla ((1805-1872, Spanish archaeologist; bookplate).

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