Complete series of six hand-colored engravings. Image size 24.5x27 cm. (9¾x10½") plus margins, overall 33.5x46 cm. (13¼x18"). Housed in a modern full calf portfolio, titled (incorrectly) Pre-Earthquake Prints of Lisbon 1755.

Plates depicting the destruction of Lisbon following what was one of the most devastating earthquakes in recorded history. From Sayer's spurious publication of Le Bas' series "Recueil des plus belles ruines de Lisbonne causées par le tremblement et par le feu du premier Novembre 1755". "Drawn on the Spot by Messrs. Paris & Pedegoche" who were likely local amateur artists. The original French series was advertised by Le Bas in the 'Mercure de France' in March, 1758 and Sayer's high-quality piracies must have followed very soon thereafter. Plate titles include: The Church of St. Nicholas, The Patriarchal Square, The Opera House, The Cathedral, St. Roch's Tower, commonly call'd the Patriarch's Tower, and St. Paul's Church. Bookplate of Paul Walter Homberger.