Lot 584: DU SIMITIÈRE, PIERRE EUGÈNE

DU SIMITIÈRE, PIERRE EUGÈNE Portraits of the Generals, Ministers, Magistrates, Members of Congress, and Others, Who have rendered themselves Illustrious in the Revolution of the United States of North America. London: R. Wilkinson & J. Debrett, 1783 4to (9 1/4 x 6 7/8 in.; 235 x 175 mm). Letterpress title, advertisement, 12 portrait plates signed "B.B.E." after Du Simitière, Drayton portrait with paper overslip correcting caption, caption to Washington portrait corrected in manuscript; lightly browned, title edge-stained, faint dampstain in outer margin, tiny oval library stamp on verso of each plate, plates numbered in ink at upper left corner. Modern half-calf and marbled boards, gilt-stamped title label on spine.

W.S. Baker, The Engraved Portraits of Washington (1880), no. 65E

Herbert T. Kalmus (bookplate). Herbert T. Kalmus (1881-1963) was co-founder of the Technicolor corporation.

First edition, first issue, each plate signed "B.B.E."

Du Simitière (1736–1784) was well-known in Philadelphia as a collector of curiosities, opening a museum there in 1782. He was also known as an artist of some ability, and painted numerous portraits including one of Washington (now lost), for which the general sat, probably during the winter of 1778–1779. This portrait became the source for several engraved likenesses (listed by Baker) of which this is the third. A second issue appeared the same year with the portraits signed "B. Reading Sculpt."