[DANZA DELLA MORTE] - COMBE, William (1742-1823) - The English Dance of Death from the designs of Thomas Rowlandson. London: John Diggens e R. Ackermann, 1815-1816.   A copy in fine binding of one of Rowlandson's most important works. According to Martin Hardie "Rowlandson in his Dance of Death takes his characters from the world around him, sees them in his own original way, and imparts to the subject his own satirical humour, with his curious combination of the sublime and the ridiculous" (Martin Hardie, "English Colored Books"). The copy belonged to Frederic Bois (1848-1921), a photographer whose work was exhibited at the Universal Exposition in Paris in 1900.   2 volumes, 8vo (230 x 140mm). Illustrated frontispiece, engraved title with aquatint vignette, second title in letterpress, 72 hand-coloured aquatint plates (some leaves and plates slightly cropped, O2-O3 with tiny marginal tear, staining on the second plate of the second volume, some foxing and browning, SBN calls for 4 unnumbered leaves at end of vol.I not present here). Fine contemporary calf, titles on labels and gilt decorations on spine, covers and dentelles, gilt edges, marbled endpapers (light wear, small losses on spine, front covers detached). Provenance: Thomas Bartlett (bookplate on front endpaper) - Frederic William Bois (bookplate on front endpaper).   [WITH:] - VAN ASSEN, Benedictus. The British Dance of Death. London: Hodgson and Co., [1825?]. 8vo, (205x120mm). Illustrated frontispiece, title with acquatint vignette, 18 acquatint and hand-colored plates. It wasn't possible to find a collation, but the copy is as follows: π2, B-K4 (some foxing and browning). Half red calf, gilt titles and decorations on spine, marbled endpapers (minimal wear). (3)

Estimate € 500 - 800

Sold € 550