Mesopotamia (Iraq) Water-colours.

A scarce little work showing a selection of paintings of Iraq by Florence Edith Cheesman (1877–1964), an important artist in the history of the depiction of Iraq as a nation. Her paintings were exhibited at a number of London galleries and were instrumental in preserving the contemporary visual aspect of Iraq immediately following WWI.

Edith often accompanied her brother, Major Robert Ernest Cheesman (1878-1962), on his military duties including his explorations into Saudi Arabia around Hofuf. She became acquainted with Gertrude Bell, painting her house in 1921 which is currently on display in the British Embassy in Baghdad, and King Faisal I, her portrait of him currently hanging on walls at MI6. She also designed the countries first unique postage stamps, displaying various important Iraqi art and architecture, which were used between 1923 and 1931.

Scarce, only in 5 UK institutions (BL, Oxford, Dublin, Cardiff, Dundee).

First edition; 8vo (22.5 x 16 cm); 15 full-page colour plates including frontispiece, title and contents page a little spotted; publisher's original grey paper-covered boards with additional card plate pasted to upper cover, upper cover lettered in blocked green, a little rubbing, a very good copy.