DIES, Christoph Albert (1755-1822) - Johann Christian REINHART (1761-1847) - Jacob Wilhelm MECHAU (1745-1808) - Collection ou suite de Vues Pittoresques de l'Italie, dessinées d'après nature et gravées à l'eau forte à Rome. Nuremberg: Jean Fréderic Frauenholz, 1799.   A collection of splendid etchings by Christoph Albert Dies, Johann Christian Reinhart and Jacob Wilhelm Mechau, made in Rome between 1792 and 1795. The engravings were published for the first time in 1798 in the" Malerisch Radierte Prospekte aus Italien" series and the following year in French: this copy is part of the latter edition. Each artist contributed 24 plates, 16 views of Rome and 56 other locations in the Roman countryside, including Tivoli, Subiaco and Terni; some of these panoramas or glimpses had never been portrayed before. The attention to botanical, geological, topographical details or to meteorological effects unite these views. "What unites these 72 tables is once again the reflection on the landscape as it was understood the great painting of the 17th century - above all that of Poussin and Lorrain - filtered through the experience of Philipp Hackert. The etchings essentially show the usual places in the countryside around Rome and the places depicted are often "ennobled" by the presence of dressed figures in the manner of the ancients who coexist with villagers and shepherds taken from everyday life" (Simonetta Tozzi, "Prospekte aus Italien", 1994).   Oblong folio (395 x 515mm). Loose text gathering with title, dedication to Francis II and plates index, 72 engraved plates mostly protected by tissue paper (dampstaining and few marginal tear repaired not touching engravings, some light soiling). Contemporary half-straight grained morocco over marbled paper, gilt decorations and title on spine (light rubbing especially at the extremities and joints).

Estimate € 1,500 - 2,000

Sold € 3,500