WINCKELMANN, Johann Joachim (1717-1768) - Histoire de l'art chez les Anciens. Paris: Bossange, Masson et Besson, 1802-1803.   A fine edition of Winckelmann's work with a remarkable provenance: the copy belonged to Princess Elizabeth (1770-1840), daughter of George III and Queen Charlotte. After her, according to the ownership inscriptions, the volume passed to Churchill Babington (1821-1889), an illustrious English scholar, famous for his studies in botany and ornithology, but also in philology, archeology and numismatics.   3 volumes, 4to (255 x 190mm). Half- titles, engraved frontispieces, engraved vignette on titles, elaborate engraved head-and-tail pieces, 55 engraved plates (Z2 of the second volume with marginal reinforcement and tear touching the text without compromising its legibility, some staining and waterstaining, some foxing and browning). Contemporary tree calf, titles on labels and rich gilt decorations on spine and plates, initial "E" embossed on plates, speckled edges, marbled endpapers (some minor wear, minimal losses). Provenance: "from the library of H. R. H. The Princess Elizabeth Landgravine of Hesse-Homburg" ; "Churchill Babington, St. John's Coll. Cambridge" (ownership inscription at front endpapers). (3)

Estimate € 400 - 600

Sold € 400