WITH 29 PLATES OF PORTRAIT MINIATURES AND MEDALLIONS FROM THE 16TH THROUGH THE 18TH CENTURIES

GOULDING, Richard W. The Welbeck Abbey Miniatures Belonging to His Grace the Duke of Portland. Oxford: Frederick Hall at the University Press, 1916. Quarto, contemporary three-quarter navy morocco gilt, gilt armorial stamp to front cover, raised bands, marbled endpapers, top edge gilt. $450.

First edition of this detailed catalogue raisonné of the portrait miniatures and medallions in the renowned collection of the Duke of Portland, illustrated with 29 plates and handsomely bound.

A detailed catalogue raisonné of the 415 miniature portraits and 54 portrait medallions in the Duke of Portland’s esteemed collection, many reproduced on the 29 photographic and photogravure plates, with detailed notes on the artists and on the clothing worn by the subjects. “The nucleus of the Welbeck collection of miniatures consists of portraits of members and connections of the families of Cavendish and Holles, which were inherited by the Lady Henrietta Cavendish Holles, wife of Edward Harley, second Earl of Oxford and Earl Mortimer.” Another edition appeared the same year, printed at the Oxford University Press for subscribers of the Walpole Society; that issue did not include the appendix of portrait-medallions in gesso duro nor the five additional plates depicting these medallions (present here). A few penciled annotations in a neat hand.

Tape repair to one leaf of text, minor rubs to corners. Near-fine, handsomely bound.