ADAM, Robert (1728-1792). Ruins of the Palace of the Emperor Diocletian at Spalatro in Dalmatia . [London:] for the author, 1764. Broadsheets (529 x 380mm). Engraved frontispiece and 60 engraved plates, 6 folding and 8 double-page on 54 leaves, by Francesco Bartolozzi [Francesco, Antonio and Giuseppe] Zucchi, Francis Patton, Paolo Santini and others, after Charles-Louis Clérisseau. (Some light spotting, mostly marginal and only occasionally touching plates, a few text leaves spotted or lightly soiled, short repaired tear to title, a few plates trimmed to plate mark.) Contemporary half green vellum with papered boards, gilt morocco lettering-piece (covers lightly worn and bowed, edges scuffed, slight bumping to foot of spine, lacking ties, upper hinge and some guards reinforced). Provenance: John Clevland (d. 1817, bookplate, possibly the son of a subscriber). FIRST EDITION OF THIS MAGNIFICENT WORK. Adam's book, with its elaborately engraved views, was the outcome of his visit to Spalato (Split) during his Grand Tour. It was intended to emulate the success of Robert Wood's The Ruins of Palmyra , published in 1763. Spalato seemed perfect for such a project, being the only significant unexplored classical site to hand. In Florence, Adam had met the architect Charles-Louis Clérisseau (1721-1820), who was to be Adam's instructor for the next two years and who was to supervise much of the engraving for the book in Venice and London. While Adam acted as leader of the expedition and contributed architectural observations, as well as gathering subscribers for publication, the preface was written by his cousin, the Scottish historian William Robertson The engravings were probably based on drawings by Clérisseau (six of which are preserved in the Hermitage Museum), and were said by the Critical Review in October 1764 to possess 'a taste and execution that has never been equalled in this country'. Indeed, when Adam returned to Britain in 1758, 'the custom's officer at Harwich had so admired the drawings that he had charged no duty' (Millard, p.5). This copy is from the library of John Clevland junior, son of John Clevland the naval administrator and politician (1706-1763), and heir of his library. A 'John Cleveland'[ sic ] is listed as a subscriber, and it seems likely that John Clevland senior subscribed to the work, which was published a year after his death and therefore inherited by his son. Millard II, 1; Berlin Kat. 1893; Brunet I, 46; Cicognara 3567.
ADAM, Robert (1728-1792). Ruins of the Palace of the Emperor Diocletian at Spalatro in Dalmatia . [London:] for the author, 1764. Broadsheets (529 x 380mm). Engraved frontispiece and 60 engraved plates, 6 folding and 8 double-page on 54 leaves, by Francesco Bartolozzi [Francesco, Antonio and Giuseppe] Zucchi, Francis Patton, Paolo Santini and others, after Charles-Louis Clérisseau. (Some light spotting, mostly marginal and only occasionally touching plates, a few text leaves spotted or lightly soiled, short repaired tear to title, a few plates trimmed to plate mark.) Contemporary half green vellum with papered boards, gilt morocco lettering-piece (covers lightly worn and bowed, edges scuffed, slight bumping to foot of spine, lacking ties, upper hinge and some guards reinforced). Provenance: John Clevland (d. 1817, bookplate, possibly the son of a subscriber). FIRST EDITION OF THIS MAGNIFICENT WORK. Adam's book, with its elaborately engraved views, was the outcome of his visit to Spalato (Split) during his Grand Tour. It was intended to emulate the success of Robert Wood's The Ruins of Palmyra , published in 1763. Spalato seemed perfect for such a project, being the only significant unexplored classical site to hand. In Florence, Adam had met the architect Charles-Louis Clérisseau (1721-1820), who was to be Adam's instructor for the next two years and who was to supervise much of the engraving for the book in Venice and London. While Adam acted as leader of the expedition and contributed architectural observations, as well as gathering subscribers for publication, the preface was written by his cousin, the Scottish historian William Robertson The engravings were probably based on drawings by Clérisseau (six of which are preserved in the Hermitage Museum), and were said by the Critical Review in October 1764 to possess 'a taste and execution that has never been equalled in this country'. Indeed, when Adam returned to Britain in 1758, 'the custom's officer at Harwich had so admired the drawings that he had charged no duty' (Millard, p.5). This copy is from the library of John Clevland junior, son of John Clevland the naval administrator and politician (1706-1763), and heir of his library. A 'John Cleveland'[ sic ] is listed as a subscriber, and it seems likely that John Clevland senior subscribed to the work, which was published a year after his death and therefore inherited by his son. Millard II, 1; Berlin Kat. 1893; Brunet I, 46; Cicognara 3567.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
