1795 ❧ One of only eleven copies on large paper, illustrated by John Flaxman. AESCHYLUS. c. 525-c. 456 BC. Αι του Αισχυλου τραγωδιαι επτα. [Tragedies, in Greek]. Glasgow: Printed by Andrew Foulis [for the Academy], 1795. Folio (469 x 289 mm). Greek text. Illustrated with 30 magnificent outline engraved plates by John Flaxman, bound in alongside the text. Offsetting from plates, spotting. Contemporary red straight grained morocco gilt by prominent London emigré binders L. Staggemeier & Welcher with their ticket on the inner pastedown. Joints and extremities rubbed, corners bumped. Provenance: Sir Mark Masterman Sykes (1771-1823), legendary English baronet and book collector (armorial cipher on covers, bookplate, his renowned sale, Evans, 1824); William Waldegrave, Earl of Selborne (bookplate); description card by John Grant Booksellers of Edinburgh laid in. FIRST EDITION, ONE OF JUST 11 OR 12 LARGE PAPER COPIES of the Foulis Press 'Tragedies' of Aeschylus, this imposing volume is beautifully printed, handsomely bound, comes with distinguished provenance, and is extra-illustrated with plates by a renowned British sculptor and graphic artist whose work is often compared to that of his close friend William Blake. Always characterized by accurate scholarship, fine quality paper and types, and printing that was done to exacting technical standard, the Foulis Press produced more than 700 editions in six decades of publishing. The present work pairs their elegant Greek type-appearing here surrounded by stately margins-with a series of 30 austere yet lyrical illustrations by John Flaxman (1755-1826). Flaxman began his career as a designer for Wedgwood, but is chiefly remembered for his illustrations, sculptures, and designs for funerary monuments. The artist perfected his distinctive style of line illustration while studying in Italy (1787-1794), during which time he received commissions to produce the present series of images as well as illustrations for works by Homer and Dante. The peak typographic achievement of the Foulis Press. This stunning 1795 Greek masterwork is one of the ultimate monuments of 18th-century Scottish classical publishing. The press pulled only eleven total copies on Large Paper, specifically intended to showcase John Flaxman's celebrated Neoclassical outline engravings to their absolute grandest advantage. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing