(Adam Smith) TassieBiblio.com
RUINS OF THE PALACE OF THE EMPEROR DIOCLETIAN AT SPALATRO IN DALMATIA
1764ST17496-042London: Printed for the Author 1764. FIRST EDITION. 520 x 365 mm. 20 3/4 x 14 1/4". iv 8 subscribers list 33 pp. <br/> Attractive modern light green half morocco gilt by J. F. Newman of Dublin his ticket on front pastedown raised bands spine panels with central patera ornament two darker green morocco labels reinforced hinges edges untrimmed. WITH 61 SPLENDID ENGRAVINGS 14 plans and elevations 47 views ON 54 PLATES eight double-page six folding by Bartolozzi and others. Front flyleaf with ink signature of Francis D. Bedford dated October 1886. Cicognara 3567; Fowler 2. Spine sunned to a light olive shade one corner bumped one plate with a little browning along the fold occasional mild marginal foxing or trivial smudges but A FINE COPY--fresh bright and clean internally with deep impressions of the type rich impressions of the plates and generous margins in a binding with few signs of wear.<br/> <br/> This is an extremely appealing copy of one of the great architectural books of the 18th century described by Cicognara as a "magnificent and grandiose work." Scottish architect Robert Adam 1728-92 was a product of the Scottish Enlightenment and moved in intellectual circles that included historian William Robertson who wrote the introduction here David Hume and Adam Smith. His interest in architectural drawing was stimulated by books in his father's extensive library which DNB tells us contained "a working collection of illustrated architectural books in English French and Italian and a series of manuals on architectural draughtsmanship." This curiosity developed into a passion during his 1755-57 tour of Italy which "was in every way a period of intense professional training during which the skills learned in Scotland were tested and given an international gloss by the Roman circle in which he now moved." DNB At the center of this circle was French architect antiquarian and artist Charles-Louis Clérisseau 1721-1820 the leading authority on Roman antiquities and architecture who introduced Adams to among others the great Piranesi. With Clérisseau as guide and tutor he explored and sketched various sites before arriving at the un-surveyed fortress palace built by the former emperor Diocletian at Spalatro the modern-day Croatian city of Split. Adam undertook a survey of the building and drew the architectural plans and elevations for this work while Clérisseau sketched views of the ruins. Adam planned this book as a way of promoting his career as an architect and worked with Clérisseau to have engravings made for it. According to Thom "while the traditional plans elevations and sections--what Robert Adam called the 'Geometricals'--were generally supplied by English engravers like Rooker Patton and Walker the all-important picturesque views and perspectives which Adam thought were essential to convey the emotional impact of the remains of Diocletian's Palace were engraved in Italy mostly by Bartolozzi Paolo Santini and Zucchi." Adams also wrote the architectural commentary. The publication was a success praised by the "Critical Review" in October 1864 as possessing "a taste and execution that has never been equalled in England." As DNB observes "during these two Roman years Adam succeeded in transforming himself from a provincial and rather green Scottish architect into a cosmopolitan figure ready indeed to put into effect 'the Antique the Noble & Stupendous.'" Now based in London he embarked on a distinguished career specializing in country houses and townhomes that reflected the deep influence classical architecture and his Italian sojourn had on his work. Our copy was once owned by another artist Francis Donkin Bedford 1864-1954 who exhibited landscapes at the Royal Academy and illustrated books during the Golden Age of children's book illustration in the late 19th and early 20th century. Printed for the Author unknown
