![‘ANCIENT & MODERN STATUES’ - two LATE 18TH CENTURY DECOUPAGE ALBUMS CONTAINING CUT-TO-SHAPE ENGRAVINGS TAKEN FROM RACCOLTA DI STATUE ANTICHE E MODERNE’ by [ROSSI, Domenico de].](https://images.vialibri.net/production/28/12242---height_450.jpg?v=1731505093)
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[ROSSI, Domenico de]. ~ ‘ANCIENT & MODERN STATUES’ - two LATE 18TH CENTURY DECOUPAGE ALBUMS CONTAINING CUT-TO-SHAPE ENGRAVINGS TAKEN FROM RACCOLTA DI STATUE ANTICHE E MODERNE’
Two folio albums (31.5 x 46.5cm) probably put together in the late 18th century, bound in contemporary quarter calf over marbled boards with vellum corners, the spines with six raised bands and morocco title labels lettered in gilt “Ancient & Modern Statues”. Decorative engraved title page from Rossi’s ‘Raccolta di Statue Antche e Moderne’ pasted onto the first page of the first album. The albums containing 129 striking cut-to-shape engravings affixed to thick laid-paper pages, plus 14 further cut-to-shape engravings affixed to loosely inserted sheets and 6 uncut engravings loosely laid in (150 engravings in total), with some blank leaves (the albums are largely full, the loosely laid in prints apparently intended for insertion). The engravings are almost entirely from Rossi’s work - with engravers including Dorigny, Randon, Auden, Aquilla, and others - although with a handful from elsewhere, including a 1780 engraving by Piranesi. Some with manuscript annotations in ink or pencil to either the foot of the engraving itself or to the blank page beneath, providing the work’s title, artist, and engraver. A number of original printed titles cut out from the engravings also loosely laid in, some with lengthier manuscript annotations to the verso. The first three engravings in the first album bear later slightly childish pencil annotations beneath. One engraving apparently lacking. The spines have been carefully and expertly repaired. Both volumes with some rubbing to boards, and extremities. The contents with occasional light foxing to the pages are generally very good.
An unusual pair of late 18th century albums containing 150 engravings largely taken from Domenico de Rossi’s celebrated collection of classical, Renaissance and Baroque sculpture. The engravings have been skillfully cut to shape, resulting in an arresting and visually satisfying creation with an immediate, almost 3D effect on the eye.
Published in Rome in 1704, Rossi’s ‘Raccolta di Statue Antche e Moderne’ is often considered to be the first eighteenth-century art book, containing 163 beautifully refined engraved plates executed by some of the leading French engravers of the period. Most of the statues depicted are ancient, but several show ‘modern’ statues by famous sculptors such as Michelangelo.
These albums are a rather wonderful example of contemporary engagement with this important work - creating something alive out of its superb prints.