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The Renaissance of Art in Italy: An Illustrated History
by Leader Scott (Lucy Baxter)
Published 1883, New York: Scribner & Welford. Printed by J. S. Virtue & Co., London.
🪶 Binding & Provenance
A superb full blue morocco fine binding by Ramage of London, signed “Bound by Ramage London” on the front dentelle. Lavishly gilt-tooled on spine and covers with raised bands, gilt panels, decorative lion medallion, and title ribbon.
Inside features rich gilt dentelle borders, marbled endpapers, and all edges gilt (A.E.G.).
Includes the original leaf dedicating the work to Sir Philip Cunliffe Owen, K.C.M.G., C.B., C.I.E., then-Director of the South Kensington Museum (now the V&A).
🖋️ Condition
Binding tight and sound; light rubbing to edges and spine ends.
Gilt remains bright and eye-catching.
Marbled endpapers clean; hinges secure.
Textblock shows moderate, even foxing typical of 19th-century paper.
All plates and illustrations present.
No library markings or major damage.
Overall, a beautifully preserved example of a high-grade Ramage binding with significant historical provenance.
📖 Edition & Details
First U.S. Edition, 1883.
Custom Bound by John Ramage in London
Large octavo (approx. 9 × 6 in.).
384 pp., extensively illustrated throughout.
Printed by J. S. Virtue & Co., London.
Publisher: Scribner & Welford, New York.
💎 Collector Significance
Bindings by John Ramage (London) are renowned for their precision gilt work and elegant dentelles, rivaling Riviere & Son and Zaehnsdorf. This copy exemplifies that craftsmanship and carries distinguished provenance. Comparable Ramage fine bindings have sold at major sale houses (Christie’s, Chiswick, PBA) for several hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on subject and condition.
Ramage | Fine Binding | Victorian Leather | Antique Book | Art History | Leader Scott | 19th Century | Renaissance | Decorative Binding | Gilt Dentelle | Presentation Copy | Cunliffe Owen | Scribner & Welford | Collectible Antique Book | Museum Director | Blue Morocco
