SMITH (Th.). Art de peindre à l'aquarelle. Paris, A. Giroux - Lot 75

SMITH (Th.). Art de peindre à l'aquarelle. Paris, A. Giroux - Audot, 1828, gr. in-8° oblong, fawn shagreened calf, smooth spine decorated, speckled edges (period binding). Collation: 1 false-title f., 1 title f., 55 pp. ch. [1] to 55, 1 p. "Table of contents" n. ch. First edition in French, rare. The English original was published in 1825 in London by Sherwood, and consists of 28 lessons. The work is said to be one of the first manuals to introduce the art of watercolor without the help of a teacher. Little is known about Thomas Smith. He was active as a watercolorist in London in the first half of the 19th century, and is considered to be one of England's finest watercolor artists. 18 plates, 10 of which are lithographed by C. Motte (1784-1836). A contemporary colored copy. The portrait after the miniature by Mr. Meuret is in double state, black and color. A few discreet freckles. Joints and covers rubbed. Size : 205 x 255 mm. Tooley (R. V.), English books with coloured plates, 1790 to 1860, 459 (advert 17 pl. for English original); Abbey (J. R.), Life in England in aquatint and lithography, 1770-1860, 183.