NON-EXPORTABLE
TITLE: The Oriental Portfolio: Picturesque Illustrations of the Scenery and Architecture of India
SUB TITLE: Drawn on stone from the delineations of the most eminent artists, taken from original designs; and accompanied by descriptive notices by Horace H. Wilson, M.A., F.R.S
EDITOR: Horace Hayman Wilson
PUBLISHER: Smith, Elder and Co.
PLACE: London
YEAR: 1841
NO.OF PAGES: 1 tinted lithographic additional title by T.H. Pitt after Bacon, printed by Lefevre ,10 tinted lithographic plates (9 after Bacon's sketches worked up by Dibdin (7) or Roberts (2), 1 after Stephanoff; lithographed by W. Gauci (5), A. Picken (1), Louis Haghe (2), W. Walton (1) and Hullmandel (1), each with a leaf of explanatory letterpress text.
BINDING: Modern green half morocco gilt over original boards, modern endpapers, upper covers blocked in gilt with the title, the British Royal arms and a dedication to Queen Victoria.
SIZE: 49.5 x 35 cm
AN EXCEPTIONAL COPY OF THIS VERY RARE WORK
The original intention of the publishers was "in the course of succeeding years, be able to present a body of picturesque illustrations which shall render much that is most valuable and interesting in Indian Scenery and Architecture, as familiar as that of any other Asiatic or European country, to the friends of India and Art" (preface).
David Roberts and Thomas Dibdin prepared drawings after Thomas Bacon's sketches. Together they "transmuted Bacon's charmingoriginals into splendid designs of true 1830s orientalism." (Archer & Lightbown) "Thomas Bacon, a Lieutenant in the Bengal Horse Artillery, ... served in India for about five years until 1836 ... The Oriental Portfilio visually recalls Bacon's travels in India." (Scenic Splendours p. 68)
Reference: Not in Abbey; Archer & Lightbown India Observed pp.122-6, 149-50 no.s 183-4 (1841 reissue only); P. Godrej & P. Rohatgi Scenic Splendours pp.68-69.
This lot will be sold in "as is" condition.
There may be some minor tears/creases scratches, or holes commensurate with age that may not be visible in the images.
The books on sale in this auction are rare, out-of-print and otherwise collectible, dating from the 19th century on wards. The technology and material for printing and binding books has evolved over the last few centuries. From being the exclusive preserve of Clergy and Kings to an item of everyday application, the availability and use of books has also evolved over time. Books age over time and deterioration in a book's condition depends on many factors, including the original materials used and conditions of usage over time. Books will often show signs of foxing, fading, shelf-ware or dust jacket damage through usage. Prolonged storage may also cause wormhole damage or water stains.
The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Storyltd shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.