3 volumes, folio (16 1/2 x 11 1/2 in.; 420 x 292mm). 2 mezzotint portraits of Claude and Earlom, 1 stipple-engraved portrait of John Boydell, 300 etchings with mezzotint, all printed in bistre, all by Earlom after Claude. Nineteenth century half red morocco and marbled paper covered boards, spines with raised bands in six compartments, green and brown morocco lettering pieces to the second and third, others with repeat decoration in gilt, marbled endpapers, all edges edges; rubbing to morocco and boards with some loss. 

Peabody Institute (bookplates to front pastedowns, inked stamp on titles and verso of each plate)

Abbey 'Life' 200; Brunet III:1169; Cohen-De Ricci 242; Lowndes II:1398

3 volumes, folio (16 1/2 x 11 1/2 in.; 420 x 292mm). 2 mezzotint portraits of Claude and Earlom, 1 stipple-engraved portrait of John Boydell, 300 etchings with mezzotint, all printed in bistre, all by Earlom after Claude. Nineteenth century half red morocco and marbled paper covered boards, spines with raised bands in six compartments, green and brown morocco lettering pieces to the second and third, others with repeat decoration in gilt, marbled endpapers, all edges edges; rubbing to morocco and boards with some loss.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.

"This capital work, a landmark in the history of the reproduction of master drawings... It contains 300 etchings of drawings by Claude Lorrain, pastoral, mythological, and biblical subjects, and was called 'Liber Veritatis' [Book of Truth] for the purpose of identifying Claude's genuine works from forgeries, or from drawings wrongly attributed to the master" (Abbey). First published between 1777 and 1819, the present set is a 19th century edition, with the text and plates printed on unwatermarked wove paper.