TENIERS, David (1610-1699) - Le Theatre des Peintures de David Teniers. Brussels: aux despenses de l'autheur, 1660.   A copy, unfortunately incomplete, of the first illustrated catalogue of one of the greatest painting collections ever existed. In 1605, Teniers became the court painter of Archduke Leopold Wilhelm of Austria (1614-1662), owner of a collection of about 1,300 paintings. Many of these came from prestigious collections such as those of James, 1st Duke of Hamilton (1606-1649), whose extensive collection included works by Titian, Palma the Younger, Palma the Elder, Veronese, Tintoretto, and others by Raphael, Michelangelo, Correggio, Giorgione, and Leonardo (ODBN). As the curator of the Archduke's collection, Teniers conceived this extraordinary and meticulous work, which includes many paintings from the Hamilton collection, each with its respective dimensions listed below.   Folio (390 x 270mm). Engraved vignette on title, woodcut initials and tailpieces, first engraved plate with portrait within an elaborate border, 208 engraved illustrations (of 243?) (first gathering almost detached, some plates applied, some small marginal tears and a few more noticeable ones partially touching engravings, occasional foxing and browning). 19th-century half-calf, gilt titles and decorations on spine, marbled endpapers (losses and wear, front cover and spine detached from the structure).

Estimate € 150 - 250

Sold € 950