Collection of Intaglios with Related Reference Books, Early Travel Souvenirs!

A beautiful 3-volume set of Italian carved plaster intaglios by Giovanni Liberotti. Titled "Liberotti Impronte", [Rome: Incisore di Camei Roma, Ca. 1820s]. Each volume is an octavo, double-sided clamshell box, with contemporary three-quarter vellum, gilt decorated spines, and marbled covers. Containing miniature plaster medallions from Opere Scelte, the first box displays 35 casts, the second box displays 38 casts, and the third box displays 32 casts (105 in total). The casts display famous works of art, both ancient and modern, from European collections. Each front and back pastedown with a numbered key to identify each of the works. The Italian word “impronte” from the title (meaning “stamp” or “impression”), refers specifically to plaster casts, as opposed to enamel relief medallions or shell cameos.

Accompanying the three-volume set are more than 20 relevant reference books including:

1. "Engraved Gems: Their Source and History" by Maxwell Sommerville. Philadelphia: Maxwell Sommerville, 1889. Small octavo, 783pp including an index. Illustrations throughout. Red cloth-covered binding, gilt lettering. Has been rebound.

2. "Engraved Gems: Signets, Talismans, and Ornamental Intaglios, Ancient and Modern" by Duffield Osborne. New York: Henry Holt and Company. 1912. Large octavo, 424pp including an index. With an additional 32 plates at the back. Blue cloth-covered boards with gilt lettering.

3. "Ivory and The Elephant: In Art, In Archaeology, and In Science" by George F. Kunz, PhD, ScD, AM. Garden City: Doubleday, Page, and Company, 1916. Large octavo, 527pp including an index. With photographs, illustrations, and diagrams throughout. Multiple fold-out maps. Tan cloth-covered boards and an adhered paper title on the front and spine.

And many more!

The books have expected wear from use, with rubbing and toning to the edges. Some toning to the internal pages of the reference books. As mentioned, "Engraved Gems" by Sommerville has been rebound. The plaster intaglios are in very good conditions, with very little wear. Overall very good. 

Prior to the 19th century, most tourists embarked on the Grand Tour, visiting all the major European cities such as Paris, Rome, Florence, etc. As travel became more accessible to the middle class, rather than the wealthy elite, these tourist destinations shifted their attention from the privileged upper class to meet the leisure and recreational needs of the middle class, including a healthy souvenir trade. As modern photography was not available, collections of prints and casts of tourist attractions began to become very popular to commemorate people's trips. Mounted in faux book bindings, these plaster cameos could easily be brought home to show friends and loved ones. Taking advantage of this new market, Giovanni Liberotti promoted himself as a “Carver of Cameos and Purveyor of Gems Ancient and Modern.” Liberotti had been initially commissioned to make these impressions based on gems in the collection of Giovanni Battista Sommariva (1760–1826), a noted art patron and collector extraordinaire, but expanded his trade to attract eager tourists in Rome.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!