Theory on the Classification of Beauty and Deformity, and their Correspondence with Physiognomonic Expression…[2], xviii, 440, [2] pp.Two large fold-out charts.Illustrated with 38 full page lithographic plates, many coloured by hand.Large 4to., 275 x 210 mm, bound in half contemporary calf over marbled boards.London: John and Arthur Arch, 1815.
First Edition.A work of its time, exploring beauty and otherwise in the vein of Le Brun, Lavatar and Hogarth.Mary Anne Schimmelpenninck (1778-1856), turned to writing when her husband fell into money troubles producing and eclectic oeuvres with works on history, religion and visual arts as here.
Theory on the Classification of Beauty and Deformity is distinguished by its series of full page lithographs, several possessing that wonderful quality of being out of time and place.Plate 1, ‘Right Line, Square, Cube’ evokes the work of Joseph Albers while the several of portraits would feel at home among the Surrealists.Early paper repair to, the second fold-out chart, some scattered spotting, joints a little rubbed, overall a near fine copy.
PROVENANCE:Early bookplate on the front paste-down reading ‘Trasquel’.
