Anecdotes Of Eminent Painters In Spain, During the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries; With Cursory Remarks Upon The Present State Of Atts In That Kingdom By Richard Cumberland. In Two Volumes. Vol. I. (II.)
London:: Printed For J. Walter, Charing-Cross., M.DCC.LXXXII.
Physical Description
2 vols. [in one]; 156 mm. (Octavo).
General Note
Vol. I: [2], 225, [3] p. - Vol. II: [2], 224, [2] p.
Contents
Vol. I: [T.p.] - [Text] - Index [i.e. table of contents]. - Vol. II: [T.p.] - [Text] - Index [i.e. table of contents].
References
On Cumberland see his own Memoirs (London, 1806).
ESTC, T116936
Summary Note
Cumberland had earlier written An Accurate and Descriptive Account of the Several Paintings in the King of Spain's Palace at Madrid (London, 1787). The present work includes a hostile criticism of Mengs; but this did not deter Cumberland from producing, anonymously, an English translation of Mengs's writings in 1796.
Cumberland's was the first comprehensive survey of Spanish painting in the English language. In the nineteenth century it was superseded by Murray's A handbook for travellers in Spain (2 v., 1845), prepared by Richard Ford, and William Stirling's Annals of the artists of Spain (1848).
Reproductions
An electronic reproduction was published in 2003 (Farmington Hills, Mich.: Thomson Gale). A microfilm version was published in 1997 (Woodbridge CT: Research Publications).
Provenance
The front pastedown carries a bookplate of the Royal Academy, which is inscribed in pencil, 'Presented by the Author (ack'd 14 June 1782 - CM 1, 329)'. Recorded in RAA Library, Catalogue, 1802.
Binding Note
Two volumes bound in one. 18th-century calf; rebacked in 1990, red morocco spine-label lettered 'Eminent Painters - Cumberland'.
Subject
Painters - Painters, Spanish - Painting - Spain - History - 16th century - 17th century - 18th century
Art history - Art criticism - Biography - Anecdotes - Reference books - 18th century