The Victoria Psalter by Owen Jones. Landmark 19th Century Illumination.

Description: The Victoria Psalter: The Psalms of David illuminated by Owen Jones, Day & Son (London), 1861. DESCRIPTION: Folio size 12 1/2 x 17 inches (320 x 435 mm). 106 chromolithographic illuminated pages rendered in gold and colors, including frontispiece, title and double-page dedication to Queen Victoria, printed on stiff card paper. Original full elaborately embossed relievo binding over wooden boards, beveled edges to covers, all edges gilt. Design pattern is acanthus motif, lettered "The Victoria Psalter" on the front cover and the the Queen's monogram "VR" on rear cover. CONDITION: Light rubbing to the edges, corner tips, and portions of the external hinges of the relievo binding without 'starting' or any degree of separation. Early gentle (professional) repair to spine ends. Rehinged and endpapers renewed with marbled paper. Small tear in top portion of the cloth in front internal hinge, rear internal hinge entirely intact. Light foxing to front blank sheet (front free end-plate) but only a few light spots to the internal pages, overall remarkably free of the foxing this book is prone to, and none of the illuminations are affected. Early 'starting' / separation seen in several pages but all pages remain attached to the text block. DISCUSSION: Owen Jones (1809 -1874) was a pioneer in the development of chromolithography, setting a new standard for color reproduction for much of the 19th century. Additionally, the molded, embossed relievo style of binding is usually associated with Owen Jones as well. Relievo bindings were "made of heavily molded and embossed leather left to its natural color. Like papier-mâché bindings, Relievo bindings recall both medieval bindings and wood carvings and often occur on ecclesiastical books" (University of Rochester). The elaborately embossed designs on this binding were drawn by Owen Jones. Owen Jones is best known for his monumental study 'Plans, Elevations, Sections and Details of the Alhambra' (1845) which helped to pioneer chromolithography. His seminal book The Grammar of Ornament (1856) remained influential throughout the remainder of the 19th century with regard to pattern designing. This book is the most important and inspiring of his final books, ornately chromolithographed in three reds three blues, gold and black, each page featuring different borders. Despite its minor flaws this copy is in highly collectible condition, unusual because of the size and weight of this book and the fragility of the Relievo binding. A monumental book. Please examine all photos carefully and ask all questions prior to purchase because sale is final. International sale and shipping is restricted to Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia. Domestic shipping is via UPS Ground with tracking and Signature Required. International shipping will be through the eBay Global Shipping Program. All shipping costs will be calculated based upon the size and weight of the package (estimated 20 lbs. !!) but will be at actual cost. International buyers should anticipate eBay shipping cost of between $80 - $125 depending on location.

Price: 1600 USD

Location: Peoria, Illinois

End Time: 2024-08-21T16:10:05.000Z

Shipping Cost: 25 USD