The Gentleman's and Connoisseur's Dictionary of Painters A Complete Collection and Account of the Most Distinguished Artists Who have Flourished in the Art of Painting

Rev. M Pilkington

Published by W C Spilsbury, London, 1797

About this Item

An eighteenth century edition of what became known as Pilkington's Dictionary. A scarce edition published by Spilsbury. Direct from the Regency library of Elizabeth Greenly, later Lady Elizabeth Coffin Greenly. Elizabeth Greenly, born at Titley Court, Herefordshire, was a noted and varied collector. She kept prolific diaries from 1784 until her death in 1839 which included her responses to current events and occasions in her daily life. Among the diaries many names and anecdotes of celebrities of the time appear, including Lord Byron, Marie Antoinette, Mary Wollstonecraft and Hannah More. She was known to comment on customs of foreign countries to which she and her friends had travelled, and had a keen interest in scientific discoveries and advancements including medicine and archaeology. The Greenly library contents show Elizabeth Greenly's numerous interests including: Welsh causes, Science, topography, travel, Bibliana and literature, particularly female poets. The library contains many first editions of contemporary works, and many are signed or contain her bookplate. The library contained over 1000 volumes which show the diversity and depth of her interests and give an insight into the life of this fascinating collector. These works come directly from the library of the Titley Court estate. Pilkington was a satirist, art historian and church minister. He is best known for his Dictionary of Painters. This work was widely published through several editions. The dictionary contains biographies of the artists and critical rankings of their ability as well as an analysis of the art market in the Netherlands and England. The artists discussed in this dictionary are from across Europe and there is an additional index to the rear which lists every artist discussed alphabetically. In a quarter calf binding with paper covered boards. Joints are tender but still reasonably firm. Hinges are tender with cords showing. Prior owner's bookplate to front pastedown, E H Greenly. E H Greenly's signature to title page dated 1798. Internally, generally firmly bound though strained in places. Scattered spots throughout. Good. Seller Inventory # LTH28-A-10

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Gentleman's and Connoisseur's Dictionary...

Publisher: W C Spilsbury, London

Publication Date: 1797

Binding: Leather

Illustrator: None

Condition: Good

Book Type: book