Large 4to (410 x 320mm.), 16 leaves, the sketches mounted four to a leaf (average 195 x 135mm.), captioned in ink within the image in Italian, some also in French, nineteenth-century roan-backed boards, some mounts chipped at edge with loss, first leaves loose, binding rubbed

H.M. Blackmer, book label, sale in these rooms 11-13 October 1989, lot 511

Blackmer 1888

the condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

RARE SKETCHES OF OTTOMAN COSTUME FROM THE BLACKMER COLLECTION. "The figures are depicted full-length against a dark background, and their style is strongly reminiscent of the small tableaux of Turkish costumes produced by J. van Mour [in Recueil de cent estampes representant differentes nations du Levant]. Van Mour's work was reproduced up to the end of the 18th century and later by indigenous Greek and Armenian copyists, which would also explain the poor spelling of the captions" (Blackmer). As well as the prototypes of van Mour, these paintings also derive from the works of Dalvimart and Mouradja d'Ohsson, though some are untraceable. For a full listing of the subjects see Blackmer (both the bibliography and sale catalogue) or contact the Book Department.