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1872 " The Early Flemish Painters: Notices of Their Lives and Works" Full Leather Book

1872 " The Early Flemish Painters: Notices of Their Lives and Works" Full Leather Book

Regular price $325.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $325.00 USD
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This second edition of The Early Flemish Painters: Notices of Their Lives and Works by J. A. Crowe and G. B. Cavalcaselle was published in 1872 by John Murray in London. Crowe and Cavalcaselle were among the pioneering art historians of the 19th century, and their work played a significant role in shaping scholarly understanding of the Northern Renaissance. By examining painters such as the Van Eycks, Rogier van der Weyden, and Hans Memling, the authors aimed to trace the origins, techniques, and stylistic evolutions of Flemish painting. The book was written during a period when art history was becoming more methodical and evidence-based, reflecting a broader Victorian enthusiasm for researching Europe’s cultural and artistic heritage. In this sense, it contributed to the systematic study of early Northern Renaissance art at a time when the subject was gaining scholarly momentum across Europe.

The binding is a handsome full leather prize binding—evident from the inscription on the marbled endpapers referencing the Glasgow School of Art and Haldane Academy, Session 1877. The front board features an elegant gilt oval cameo, and the spine is adorned with raised bands, gilt compartments, and a red leather label reading “Early Flemish Painters.” All edges are tinted red, adding an extra note of refinement. These details reflect the Victorian tradition of awarding exquisitely bound books to recognize academic or artistic achievement, underscoring the esteem in which art historical scholarship was held in educational institutions.

Details
Author
J. A. Crowe and G. B. Cavalcaselle
Title
The Early Flemish Painters: Notices of Their Lives and Works
Publisher
John Murray, London
Date
1872 (second edition)
Edition
Second edition
Binding
Full leather prize binding with gilt oval cameo, raised bands, gilt spine compartments, red leather spine label, red-tinted edges
Inscription
Glasgow School of Art and Haldane Academy, Session 1877, on marbled endpapers
Origin
England
Language
English
Condition

The leather boards retain much of their original luster, with minor scuffing at the edges and corners consistent with age and handling over nearly 150 years. The spine gilt remains bright, the raised bands are intact, and the hinges are firm throughout. Internally, the marbled endpapers are vibrant and show no cracking or separation. There may be light foxing on a few pages, but the text block is clean and fully legible. A very good copy overall, and an especially presentable one given the quality of the binding.

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