Volumes 1-6 (of 12) only. Printed on Japan paper. Illustrated throughout with photogravures in color and monochrome from paintings, drawings, photographs, etc., plus etchings and engravings, on mounted India paper, many full-page. 45x29 cm. (17¾x11½"), original full dark green morocco ruled in gilt, spines lettered in gilt, raised bands, elaborate gilt-tooled doublures, with each front doublure having a gouache painting from a corresponding plate in each volume, all edges gilt, slipcases. Copy I of 26 lettered Underwriters' Copies on Japan Paper.

Grand Deluxe printing of a major art reference work, rickly illustrated with hand-mounted plates and hand-painted doublures. Truly monumental gathering of art from the preceding centuries, with superb gravure and etched plates and illustrations. The massive and impressive volumes are rare in any format, and very very in this state.