STUBBS (GEORGE) The Anatomy of the Horse, FIRST EDITION, early issue with some plates on laid paper, some on wove and no watermarks, text printed on laid paper with armorial 'LVG' watermark, 24 engraved plates, errata leaf (laid down on contemporary sheet after title), tear to lower margin of title repaired with tape, pp.33-34 slightly shorter with 2 tears repaired, some toning to text, plates with some spotting or toning, and occasional light damp-stains in blank margins,, modern half morocco [Garrison-Morton 308.1; Huth, p.42; Nissen ZBI 4027; Norman 2032 (later issue); Podeschi 57; Ray. The Illustrator and the Book in England, p.6, 'this book is a landmark in the history both of anatomy and art'], oblong folio (490 x 600mm.), Printed by J. Purser, for the Author, 1766 Footnotes: Stubbs executed the drawings for his celebrated Anatomy of the Horse between 1756 and 1759, based on his own dissections. Subsequently he engraved these himself, producing the sequence of plates which combined perfect 'scientific exactitude with a harmonious beauty of placing and balance' (R.T. Godfrey, Printmaking in Britain, 1978). The plates depict the skeleton of the horse from the side, front, and back, followed by views from similar angles of different stages of dissection. Shortly after completing the drawings, Stubbs painted perhaps his most famous equestrian portrait, 'Whistlejacket' (c.1762). The success of that painting, together with the publication of this work, then established him as the foremost animal painter of his day. Provenance: Alexander Hume-Campbell, Earl of Marchmont (1675-1740), bookplate loosely inserted. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: • • Zero rated for VAT, no VAT will be added to the Hammer Price or the Buyer's Premium. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing