Near Folio, The History of Portrait Miniatures 1531-1860 in 2 Volumes, George Bell and Sons, Limited 520 Printings, 1904

The History of Portrait Miniatures 1531-1860, London: George Bell and Sons, published in 1904 and limited to 520 printings. A rare art history reference written by George C Williamson. Full page plates of miniature portraits throughout. Plates protected by tissue guards. Printed on thick, fine paper with deckled edges.

"In considering portrait miniatures it is as well to devote some short attention to the meaning of the word miniature. In its earliest use the word had no reference whatever to the size of a painting. It is derived from minium, signifying vermilion, in consequence of capital letters, borders of pages, and headings to chapters in ancient manuscripts having been drawn in this material, and it was applied originally to the decorations on the pages of such manuscripts. These illuminations were first executed in red alone, and afterwards in various colours; then later on they took the form of elaborate designs, embracing pictures of saints, portraits of persons, and illustrations of stories and legends with religious emblems and medallions."

White linen with embossed/gilt decorative illustrations on covers and spine.

Near folio size - 15.5" x 12".

Some scuffs and dirt on cloth covers, cover edges and spines. Some spotting to cover of vol 2. Light foxing spots here and there. Binding is tight and intact. Page edges yellowed/ toned. Pages are otherwise unmarked. Plates are very clean.