Description

Folio (ca. 240 x 368 mm). (6), XXI, (1), 97, (1) pp. Latin and French parallel title-pages printed in red and black (with half-title on recto of Latin title). With 2 engraved title vignettes, 3 engraved headpieces and 70 numbered engraved plates. Contemporary full calf with giltstamped spine and spine label. All edges red. Pastedowns marbled. First edition. - A prominent work on engraved gems by the German numismatist and collector of antiques, Stosch (1691-1757), giving detailed descriptions of 70 pieces in European collections, followed by splendid reproductions by the French engraver Bernard Picart (1673-1733). In Latin and French parallel text with wide margins. - Late 18th century engraved armorial bookplate of the naturalist and Swedish civil servant Mathias Benzelstierna (1713-91), who studied with Carl Linné and became a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in 1786. - Binding slightly rubbed. A clean, well preserved copy. - Lewine 516. Cicognara 3016. Brunet V, 552 ("rather sought-after"). Graesse VI, 504. Ebert 21801. Blackmer 1613. Cohen/de Ricci 959. Hoefer XLIV, 510. Vinet 1616. Sander 1553. Querard, La France litteraire IX, 273.