Veneres uti observantur in gemmis antiquis by HANCARVILLE, Pierre-François-Hugues, Baron d' (1719-1805) - 1771

Leiden [i.e. Naples], 1771. From the Collection of Arthur & Charlotte Vershbow. 2 volumes in one, 8vo (210 x 130mm). 2 engraved titles, 70 engraved plates, good impressions with margins. Contemporary French red morocco gilt, edges gilt, in Derome style. Provenance: Robert Peyrefitte, with his bookplate; purchased from H.D. Lyon, 1994. FIRST EDITION of Hancarville's collection of classical erotica, supposedly taken from actual medallions. Hancarville catalogued Sir William Hamilton's collection of ancient vases in Naples in 1764, from which it is likely he took some inspiration for these images. He went to London in 1777, where he arranged for the second edition of this work with the text also in English. Brunet V:1119; Cohen-de Ricci 476.