Language: English
Published by American Art Association, 1889
Seller: Shelley and Son Books (IOBA), Hendersonville, NC, U.S.A.
Association Member: IOBA
First Edition
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Limited, First Edition. Limited edition, this is #500 of 500 in the De Luxe edition. Rebound, boards are a light tan paper with gilt lettering on the cover. Spine is plain. Printed on a luxurious heavy paper, all edges are untrimmed. Title page is printed in red and black, and red and black text continues throughout. Beautifully illustrated with 40 zinc etchings printed on a fine onion-skin like paper and tipped in. Others are etchings are printed directly on the plate. 24 etchings are signed by the artist-etchers in pencil. All etchings are each protected by a titled leaf on India paper. Signatures include Thomas Moran, Frederick Dielman, S. J. Ferris, C. V. Turner, F. Raubicheck, R. Swain Gifford, Wm. St. John Harper, Stephen Parrish, Gerome Ferris, G. Mercier, Hamilton Hamilton, and F. W. Freer. A total of 80 works are listed of which most are illustrated, all of which are present. Includes small vignettes of the most represented artists. 112 pp. This book is quite large and heavy, measuring 16 inches tall x 12 inches wide x 2 inches thick. ABOUT JAMES H. STEBBINS: A successful businessman and financier in New York City, James Stebbins was known for owning one of the most significant private collections of paintings and sculptures in the late 1800s. In February 1889, his collection was sold at a major auction at Chickering Hall in New York City by the American Art Association. The scale included 80 high-profile works by masters such as Meissonier and Gerome, totaling over $160,000 -- a massive sum at the time. Subsequently, Stebbins published this, a "Limited Edition de luxe" catalog of his collection in 1889, which featured etchings of his works by notable artists like Thomas Moran.CONDITION: Rebound cover is in stunning, lovely condition. Untrimmed edges have lightly soiled. Occasional foxing and discoloration spots, yet etchings remain uncompromised. Several tipped in art pieces have detached from the backplate, yet are present. One etching has been creased, yet again, is present. An extremely rare, beautiful copy of this 19th century art book. PLEASE NOTE: Due to the size and weight of this copy, an additional shipping charge may apply and will be requested after purchase. Package will arrive with "signature required" upon delivery. Full refund if not satisfied.