Stosch, Philippe de

Pierres antiques gravees, sur lesquelles les graveurs on mis leurs noms Tirees des principaux cabinets de l'Europe. - (Facing title:) Gemmae antiquae caelatae, scalptorum nominibus insignitae Ex praecipuis Europae museis selegit

      Amsterdam, Bernard Picart le Romain, 1724.. Two titles in red and black. With 2 engr. title vignettes, 3 (one armorial) head-pieces, 3 engr. initials, and 70 copper plates, all engr. by Bernard Picart. XXI, (1), 97, (1) pp. Small folio. Contemp full calf over six raised bands. Spine richly gilt, with label. Covers framed by gilt stamped floral fillet. Outer edges gilt.. First and only edition, dedicated to Emperor Charles VI, King of Spain (1685-1740). From the library of the Duke of Sachsen-Teschen (ms. note on flyleaf) with his shelfmark on first paste-down. Though not mentioned at any place in the book, the Latin text was mostly written by Francesco Valesio and was translated into French by Henri-Philippe de Limiers. The great diplomate and antiquarian Philippe de Stosch (1691-1757) travelled much around Europe, was received by Emperor Charles VI in Vienna and lived in Rome, where he worked for Pope Clement XI and where he edited the present "tour d'horizon" around the most famous European gem collections of his time, a work which greatly promoted the public renown of antique art work. After the death of Stosch, Winckelmann edited a catalogue of the personal collection of this passionate and erudite antiquarian. - Cohen/de Ricci 959; Lewine 516; Sander 1553; Brunet V, 552 ("Ouvrage assez recherche"); Querard, La France litteraire IX, 273; Ebert 21801; Cicognara 3016; Hoefer XLIV, 525 ("ouvrage d'un grand merite"); Sinkankas 6379. - First inner hinge loose. Slight browning throughout, but not affecting the plates.