RUSSEL, James. Letters from a Young Painter Abroad to his Friends in England. , W. Russel, 1750.

Full-Leather. Very Good. The second edition. viii + 287 + (5)pp index; xii + 394 + (8)pp index and errata., 13 engraved plates (12 folding), and an engraved vignette of medals on page 354 of the second volume. A very good copy in contemporary calf, raised and gilt banded spines with red morocco labels. Expert repairs to the joints and head and tails, and one plate neatly repaired on the verso. Some slight foxing. Armorial bookplate of J.K. Brooke. 8vo. for W. Russel. 1750. The seventy four letters, covering the first ten years of Russel's life in Rome upto November 1749, present in microcosm the ambitions, frustrations and compromises necessary for a none too talented artist to survive in Italy in the mid-eighteenth century. Russel was an artist not embarking on the Grand Tour, but rather attempting to provide a service to the more wealthy travellers who passed through the city. By turns a copyist, antiquarian, guide or travelling companion, his letters to his father, brother and sisters both detail his scholarly research as well as a wealth of lively observations on Italian life and customs. see Ingamells p.830. (Book ref. 105456)  £495.00

The payment methods accepted by the seller, Ken Spelman Books, ABA. , are shown in the right-hand column.

Click here to order

Back to search