$50.00
These antique engravings were featured in Alexandre de Laborde’s 1806 – 1820 Voyage Pittoresque et Historique de l’Espagne, “a monumental, precise, erudite and very careful work in four volumes documenting many Spanish monuments which have now disappeared” (see history below). The engravings feature two hermitages on the Montserrat Mountain in the Catalonia region of Spain near Barcelona: (1) the Hermitage of St. Anna, drawn by Laborde and (2) the Hermitage of the Holy Trinity, drawn by Dultailby; both were engraved by a third party. These two images appeared in the first volume which covered the Catalonia region and had a very limited first edition in Spanish which soon disappeared. The original books measured a massive 17″ x 27″. Although the prints offered here were originally bigger and have been cut down, I’m not sure if they came from the actual books and were later hand colored, or if they were issued separately as color engravings. There are also plate marks, which adds to the mystery, since these are supposed to be engravings and not etchings. Overall measurements are 9.75″ x 15-7/8″. The actual images are 4.75″ x 6-3/8″ (1) and 4-5/8″ x 6-3/8″ (2). The paper is creased at the plate marks at the top and on both sides; the bottom plate mark has been cut off. The captions are in Spanish, French and English. I envision these framed separately as a set of two. Both of these hermitages are now in ruins.
Out of stock
HISTORY (from online sources): A descendant of Spaniards on his father’s side, Alexander Laborde (1773? – 1842) came to Spain as an embassy attaché of Luciano Bonaparte and toured the peninsula between the years 1800-1805 as an archaeologist. The result of the study of numerous monuments is his work Voyage Pittoresque et Historique de l’Espagne. Its four volumes, published in 48 parts over a period of 14 years, contain a compendium of political and civil history, many archaeological monuments and more than 900 engravings thanks to the collaboration of great draftsmen and engravers. This entailed a great cost in printing, the bulk of which was borne by Laborde due to the financial difficulties of subscribers and potential benefactors, so he had to resort to the support of King Charles IV and other European courts and even seriously compromised his personal fortune. Perhaps for these reasons there are variations in the number of plates between sets of the works. The high quality engravings cover a range of subjects, from fragments of ancient floor tiles to street scenes, cathedral interiors, and views of nature and natural phenomena. The detailed records of architecture, antiquities, decorative arts and utensils, and Moorish inscriptions are of much archeological value. Laborde’s other great work was Itinéraire Descriptif de l’Espagne, with a broad description of all the Spanish regions.
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A WORD ABOUT VINTAGE: Our inventory consists of vintage or antique items which are more than 20 years old, usually used or pre-owned, unless marked “new old stock.” As such, there may be signs of wear and age, which we will disclose to the best of our ability. Nevertheless, we encourage you to carefully read the description and view the photos, especially when purchasing a gift. All items ship with tracking and insurance, and although we do not accept returns, we will offer a refund in case of breakage or damage during transit, upon receipt of sufficient proof.
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I purchased two items from this shop. They arrived surprisingly quickly, and it was evident that extreme care was taken to ensure they arrived safely. I greatly appreciate the attention and extra care when packaging up the items. How sad it would be to purchase an antique that has survived multiple generations, only to be destroyed by USPS! Thank you so much for a wonderful shopping experience!
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danicatheracecardriver –
Wonderful experience, meticulous packaging!
I purchased two items from this shop. They arrived surprisingly quickly, and it was evident that extreme care was taken to ensure they arrived safely. I greatly appreciate the attention and extra care when packaging up the items. How sad it would be to purchase an antique that has survived multiple generations, only to be destroyed by USPS! Thank you so much for a wonderful shopping experience!