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1895 Gems of Art Illustrated Cassell Victorian Art Book Color Plates Gilt Cover
Offered here is an authentic late-19th-century copy of:
Gems of Art: Illustrated
Published by Cassell Publishing Company
New York, 104 & 106 Fourth Avenue
Circa early-to-mid 1890s
This substantial Victorian art volume features an especially attractive teal cloth binding with ornate gilt and black decoration to the front board. The book contains a wide-ranging collection of articles on painting, sculpture, architecture, decorative arts, artists, galleries, and related cultural subjects.
It is extensively illustrated throughout with detailed black-and-white engravings and includes full-page color plates, making it both a visually impressive display book and an interesting reference work on 19th-century art and design.
A handwritten presentation inscription dated June 7, 1895 appears on a front blank page:
“Presented to Miss Darin by the pupils of the Sixth and Seventh Grades, Capitol School.”
An embossed school presentation stamp is also present on the endpaper.
Condition
Good antique condition overall, with expected wear from age and use.
* Original teal cloth binding with decorative gilt and black stamping
* Front cover remains attractive and highly displayable
* Gilt lettering and ornamentation are still strong
* Numerous black-and-white illustrations throughout
* Full-page color plates present
* Binding and text block appear generally secure
* Moderate rubbing and surface wear to the covers
* Edge and corner wear, with light fraying at the spine ends
* Minor spotting, marks, and handling wear to the cloth
* Pages show age toning and occasional light spotting
* Some pages and plates have mild waviness or rippling
* 1895 presentation inscription on a front blank page
* Embossed school award stamp on the endpaper
* No dust jacket
Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.
This is a handsome and uncommon Victorian art volume with strong decorative appeal, suitable for collectors of antique art books, illustrated books, decorative bindings, Victorian design, and 19th-century educational presentation books.
Sold exactly as pictured and will be carefully packed for shipment.
Item Specifics
* Title: Gems of Art
* Publisher: Cassell Publishing Company
* Place of Publication: New York
* Publication Date: Circa 1890s
* Language: English
* Binding: Hardcover cloth
* Subject: Art, architecture, painting, sculpture, decorative arts
* Features: Illustrated, color plates, decorative gilt binding
* Original/Facsimile: Original
* Region: North America
* Condition: Good antique condition
* Personalized: Yes, 1895 presentation inscription
* Signed: No
