‎DYCK, Anthony van ( originater ) - ARKSTEE & MERHUS ( text and publisher) - P. PONTIUS - L. VORSTERMAN - B. à BOLSWERT - P. de JODE - C.GALLE - G.HONDIUS a.o. ( engravers ) :‎
‎Iconographie ou vie des Hommes Illustres u XVII. Siècle. Tome Premier (- Tome Second).‎

‎" Amsterdam & Leipzig, Arkstée & Merkus, 1759, 2 vols in folio (42,5 x 26,5 cm). [Vol. I] (8) nn pp + 106 pp + (2)nn pp + 55 fulle page plates (of which 5 folding) (complete) ; [Vol. II] (4) nn pp + 130 pp + (2)nn pp + 70 full page plates. (complete). Title pages printed in red & black, with engraved vignet. This is an uncut copy which has been disbound. It is kept in two uniform paper portfolio's in a purposely made modern matching box. Each plate is tipped on with a small outer margin to the nearby text leaf . The general condition is good allthough there are of course some stains ( unobtrusive) due to the old age; and some marginal clear old waterstains at some pages. In volume I the plates 81, 88 and 90 show these marginal waterstains (never in the image aerea). . In volume II the plates at pp. 7, 14, 28, 38, 44, 52, 86, 104, 120, show also these marginal waterstains. Only 1 plate is also touched in the image (120 - one of the 2 Paulus Pontius prints) As this is an uncut copy the irregular margins are dustsoiled. Overall this is a fine/good copy; and as it is unbound individual plates can be easily exhibited. Marie Mauquoy Hendrickx writes , in her study (L'iconographie d'Antoine Van Dyck. Catalogue raisonné, 2 vols 430 pp) that the portrait collection of Van Dyck originated in the year 1632. It then comprised only about 50 plates . Gilles Hendricx added many plates when he made the first re-edition . Another 20 editions would follow in the next 100 years; with a growing number of plates. This iconography , with a strong emphasis on painters and engravers of the Netherlands remains an impressive and highly valuable witness to the importance of Antwerp as centre of the graphical art in the 17th c.; north of the Alps."‎

Reference : 56450

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