Description
Architectural elevations of facades of great English country houses (as well as gates and other structures) from the highly influential work Vitruvius Britannicus, which promoted the neo-Palladian style of English architecture. Each engraving presents a crisply delineated and shaded frontal rendering, titled in English and French. Some also have a scale in feet.
Vitruvius Britannicus was named in deference to the great ancient Roman architect Vitruvius (c. 80 BC.-c. 15 BC) and the revival of interest in his work in 17th- and 18th-century British architecture. The primary focus of this set is neo-Palladian English architecture, named after the renowned Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio (1508-1580), who was inspired by ancient Roman architecture, but was thought by his admirers to have “exceeded all that were gone before him.” The prints also include architectural designs of the 17th century by Inigo Jones (1573-1652), the accomplished English architect credited with introducing Palladianism to England, as well as the work of the Sir John Vanbrugh (1664-1726), whose creative classical-revival architecture retained a Baroque flair. In addition, designs are included by the author, Scottish architect and draftsman Colen Campbell, who became one of the initiators of the Neo-Palladian movement. This movement in turn influenced the course of neoclassicism in architecture in England over the remainder of the 18th century and into the 19th century.
Full titles and dedications: “High Meadow in Glocestershire, the Seat of the Right Honourable Thomas Lord Viscount Gage.” “The Elevation of Drumlenrig Castle of the Seat of His Grace & Duke of Queensbury and Dover, The Elevation of Lindley house in Lincolns inn fields [at London] is most humbly Inscribed to the Rt. Honorable the Marquiss of Lindley Lord Great Chamberlain of England &c.” “This new Design of my Invention is most humbly Inscrib’d to the Rt. Hon’ble The Earl of Islay & Justice General and Lord Register for North Brittain.” “The Great Gate as you enter to Wilton.” “Belton in Lincolnshire, the Seat of Sr. John Brownlow, Bar’t.” “The Elevation of Durham House in Glocestershire the Seat of the Rt. Hon’ble William Blathnayt Esq’r. to whom this Plate is most humbly Inscrib’d. Invented by Mr. Talman.”
Condition: Generally very good with the usual overall light toning, wear, handling. Some with professionally restored marginal tears. Larger plates with folds as issued.