Houbraken, De Groote Schouburgh der Nederlantsche Konstschilders, Amsterdam, 1718-21, 3 volumes, vellum

HOUBRAKEN, ARNOLD. De Groote Schouburgh der Nederlantsche Konstschilders en Schilderessen. Waar van 'er vele met hunne Beeltenissen ten Tooneel verschynen, en hun levensgedrag en Konstwerken beschreven worden: zynde een vervolg op der Schilderboek van K. v. Mander. I. Deel [-III. Deel]. Amsterdam: the author, 1718 (widow of the author, 1721)

FIRST EDITION of Houbraken's biographical dictionary of Dutch artists. Houbraken (1660-1719) was, like Vasari, primarily a painter, but remembered for this Great Theatre of Dutch Painters, which provides portraits of many of the artists; the production of the book was a family affair, with engravings by his son Jacob and the publication completed after his death by his widow.

3 volumes, 8vo (197 x 122 mm). Roman type, 35 lines plus headline. Collation: *⁶ A-Aa⁸ Bb-Cc²; π² A-Z⁸; π² A-2C⁸: 598 leaves (Cc2 blank). Additional engraved title-page, engraved headpieces and illustrations, woodcut initials, engraved dedication at start of volume 2, 46 engraved plates (2 folding), engraved illustrations. (Occasional light marginal foxing.)

Binding: Contemporary Dutch vellum (206 x 132 mm). blind-stamped centrepiece and blind-ruled borders, flat spines with manuscript lettering, red speckled edges. (Bindings slightly soiled and a little warped.)

Provenance: M. Nicolls, pencil signature on flyleaves. Acquisition: Purchased in 1989 from Pierre Berès, Paris. References: STCN 189094699