THE ANTIQUITIES OF ATHENS: Measured and Delineated by James Stuart, F.R.S. and F.S.A. and Nicholas Revett, Painters and Architects.
London: John Haberkorn, 1762. First edition. Hardcover. Elephant folio, 57 x 38 cm (22.5 x 15 inches), 2 fl., x, 52 pp, 71 copperplate engravings, including 1 double-page view, 5 single-page views, and 65 measured drawings and details of architectural ornamnents (1 folding), many engraved head and tail pieces. In original boards with recent morocco spine to style. Boards surfaces are worn but stable, occasional smudges to text and plate margins, a few leaves with short tears to margins, overall the volume has a pleasing, venerable appearance. Ex-libris Woodward's Gardens (a San Francisco amusement park with a museum art gallery, zoo, etc. operating from 1866 to1891) with their faint ink stamp to endpapers, dedication page, and versos of most plates. Item #23578
Originally conceived around 1750, it took James Stuart (1713-1788) and Nicholas Revett (1720–1804) several years to garner enough financial support to undertake their nearly 3-year (1751-1754) expedition to explore, document, and carefully measure classic Greek monuments. The product of their work, Antiquites of Athens, with text and topographical views by Stuart and measured drawings by Revett was widely anticipated throughout Europe and when finally published in 1762 was met with much acclaim. 4 subsequent volumes followed this original work (in 1787, 1795, 1816, and 1830). The work stimulated strong interest in classical Greek design and was profoundly influential in the neo-classical revival in Britain architecture in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Price: $6,500.00