Scarce. A stunning curated collection of illustrations, bound with appropriate stories, anecdotes, and art history detailed by Albert Henry Payne, an English engraver and European art expert who lived in Germany for the majority of his life. The collection features 90 engraved plates and a hand-coloured title page vignette, The Flower Girl, by the author. The book was designed to function as an early 'coffee table book' or conversational piece for waiting guests or drawing room company.
In very good condition with a slight cracking to the hinges, handling marks, light stains and sunning to the boards, general light wear from usage. Foxing is sporadic with most plates clean to very clean but a few significantly marked. Half-bound in red calf leather with floral cloth boards, dark green spine labek with gilt lettering, five raised bands with gilt compartments, olivine endpapers and a fully marbled edge. 28 x 20.5 cm. Pp. 241.
