An essay upon prints; containing remarks upon the principles of picturesque beauty, the different kinds of prints, and the characters of the most noted masters; Illustrated by Criticisms upon particular Pieces; To which are added, Some Cautions that may be useful in collecting Prints

London: printed for J. Robson, Bookseller to the Princess Dowager of Wales, at the Feathers, in New Bond Street, 1768. First Edition. Paper-Covered Boards. Fine. First Edition of the first standard guide on print collecting in England, including detailed commentary on Hogarth's Rake's Progress. Crown 8vo (171 x 102mm): [2],iv,4,[2],249,[13]pp (pp. 44-45 and 81-96 misnumbered 45-46 and 77-92, respectively; this copy, as most, wanting the 17 plates). Rebound to style by Fitterer in marbled paper-covered boards, printed paper labels on spine and upper cover—a splendid presentation. Copper-engraved book plate of Rev. W[illiam]. T[homas]. Bree (1786-1863), vicar of All Saints' church in Allesley, reaffixed to front paste-down. An excellent copy, tightly bound and clean throughout. Barbier, pp. 24-27. Lowndes II 895. Published anonymously (Gilpin's authorship was only revealed with the third edition, in 1781), reaching a fifth edition in 1802. On the continent this essay's influence spread through German, French, and Dutch translations. Gilpin's "aim, as the title-page indicates, was to outline ‘the Principles of picturesque Beauty, the Different Kinds of Prints, and the Characters of the most noted Masters'. . . . The Essay defines ‘picturesque' as ‘a term expressive of that peculiar kind of beauty, which is agreeable in a picture' (Essay on Prints, 2), but does not develop the definition." (ODNB) Among prints singled out for detailed consideration are Salvator Rosa's "Death of Polycrates," Waterloo's "Tobias," and Hogarth's "Rake's Progress." N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition, carefully preserved in archival, removable polypropylene sleeves. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed.