536 - Worlidge, T.

Worlidge, T. A Select Collection of Drawings from Curious Antique Gems... Etched in the Manner of Rembrandt. London: Leach for Worlidge and Wicksteed, 1768 (i.e., after 1780). 4°. With an etched Portrait frontispiece and 181 etched plates by Thomas Worlidge, as well as 26 additional plates. 2 leaves, 48 pp. Black 19th-century morocco with gold stamping, gilt top and inner edges, rust spots, gilded edges, and gold trim (partially worn). Lewine 575 f. Brunet V, 1477. Thieme/B. XXXVI, 254. Sinkankas 7331. Cicognara 3073. - Outstanding work on gemstones featuring magnificent etchings of ancient gemstones and explanatory text. - In addition to the plates (handwritten nos. 1–179, 49*, 143*), including the “Medusa” and “Hercules” plates—which are not included in all copies—it also contains 26 of the plates bound in as “original impressions,” and 2 as proof prints preceding the text. - Partially somewhat stained; front inner joint brittle. - Hornsby Wright bookplate.