Lot 191: VIVIAN, George (1798-1873). Spanish Scenery . London: P. and D. Colnaghi, 1838.

VIVIAN, George (1798-1873). Spanish Scenery. London: P. and D. Colnaghi, 1838.

2° (550 x 371mm). Tinted lithographic title, plate list, preface leaf with vignette, and 27 tinted lithographs after Vivian by L. Haghe, T. Boys and P. Gauci, heightened with white. (Title, plate list and a few plates heavily spotted, lighter and more variable spotting elsewhere.) Contemporary green roan-backed embossed cloth, spine gilt lettered.

Originally published in 8 parts, this selection of views 'taken in Biscay, Galicia, the Castilles, La Mancha, Catalonia, Valencia and Andalusia' was the fruit of visits made in 1833 and 1837. As explained in the preface, the earlier year was one of tranquility, but during the latter some of the finest convents were being demolished and much of Spain's architectural heritage seemed to be at risk. This gave the artist 'a strong desire to preserve some trace of establishments, where the towers and belfries and long level lines of the buildings, the terraces and the cypresses of the gardens give an interest and character to many scenes not less in Spain than in Italy'. Abbey Travel 154.

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