Skip to content
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED | EXPERT ADVICE
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED

Ruins of the palace of the Emperor Diocletian

at Spalatro in Dalmatia.

Stock Code 107175

London, For the Author, 1764

Original price $15,000.00 - Original price $15,000.00
Original price $0.00
$15,000.00
$15,000.00 - $15,000.00
Current price $15,000.00
Foundation work of neo-classical architecture with good architectural provenance. In July 1757, in company with the French architect C.L. Clerisseau and two other draughtsmen, Adam visited Spalatro (Split) in order to explore and measure the ruins of the great Palace of Diocletian. He seems to have been travelling with the intention of producing a book which would establish his reputation 'with a great puff' and apparently chose Spalatro because of its residential character, so different from the Greek and Roman architectural monuments being illustrated by his contemporaries such as Stuart and Revett, Wood, and Le Roy. Also, Adam had more natural artistic flair than his contemporaries, so that he included more views and flourishes than are to be found in those earlier works which seem a little dry in comparison.

The text to this work was written by Adam's cousin William Robertson and Bartolozzi engraved the majority of the magnificent plates which accompany it. Other engravers included Zucchi, Santini and Cunego. The influence of this work could be seen in Adam's later work and in the work of other Neo-classicists.

First edition; folio (545 x 390 mm); 61 engraved plates on 54 sheets, many double-page or folding by Bartolozzi, Zucchi and others, subscription list, occasional light spotting; contemporary calf gilt, rebacked, corners repaired, boards rubbed, a very good example; iv, [viii], 33, [i] pp.

Millard British Books 1; Blackmer 3; Fowler p3; Berlin 1893; Cicognara 3567.
Provenance

Provenance: Paul Waterhouse, 1861–1924, British architect, son and partner of Alfred Waterhouse (prize bookplate from the Institute of British Architecture 1888, and personal bookplates).

Delivery

We offer secure and express delivery on all local and international orders of rare books, maps and prints placed through this website.

About us

Shapero Rare Books is an internationally renowned dealer in antiquarian & rare books and works on paper.

Our Bookshop and Gallery can be found in the heart of Mayfair at 106 New Bond Street, where most of our stock is available to view and on public display.

We exhibit at major international art fairs, including TEFAF (Maastricht and New York), Frieze Masters, Art Miami and Masterpiece London, as well as antiquarian & rare book fairs including New York, Paris, London, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Hong Kong.

Read more

Ask us a question

Ruins of the palace of the Emperor Diocletian

ADAM, Robert.

Stock code: 107175

$15,000.00

THE BOND STREET EXPERIENCE

An exceptional experience in the heart of London’s Mayfair for not only seasoned collectors but those considering purchasing their first rare book or print.

Guaranteed Authenticity
GUARANTEED AUTHENTICITY
International Delivery
INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY
Meet Our Booksellers
MEET OUR BOOKSELLERS
Free Gift Wrapping
FREE GIFT WRAPPING

BOOK COLLECTING IDEAS

Your cart is empty

Continue shopping

Basket