98

(London, ca. 1860)

The Turner Gallery, Monumental Artist Proof Presentation Book and Letters [Joseph Turner - Fine Art]

The Turner Gallery: A Series of Sixty Engravings from the Principal Works of Joseph Mallord William Turner. London: James S. Virtue, City Road and Ivy Lane, [circa 1860]. First edition, elephant folio. Bound in full red textured morocco with gilt decoration, housed in a custom walnut case. Some plates bearing the Printseller's Association oval blind stamp with initials JVU, indicating artist's proofs.

Accompanying the lot are two autograph letters, signed, dated 1872, from the artist James David Smillie (1833–1909) to Rev. Elisha Mulford (1833–1885), author of The Nation and The Republic of God. In the letters, Smillie describes his purchase of an "artist's proof" copy of The Turner Gallery for Mulford at auction in New York City for $195, and notes Mulford's intention to commission a walnut case for its housing.
Book: 27 x 20 x 2 1/2 in. (68.6 x 50.8 x 6.4 cm.), Case: 30 x 22 x 5 in. (76.2 x 55.9 x 12.7 cm.)

  • Condition: Modest wear to leather covers and spine; scattered foxing; rear hinge is loose.

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