TREASURES OF ART

(EXPOSITION - PHILADELPHIA - 1876)  TREASURES OF ART, INDUSTRY AND MANUFACTURE REPRESENTED IN THE AMERICAN CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION AT PHILADELPHIA, 1876.

Buffalo: Clay, Cosack, 1877. Large folio (19 1/2 x 14 3/4 inches.) Publisher's half-morocco. Title page and 50 chromolithographic plates, with accompanying text. First edition.

William Reese in his Grolier Club catalogue, Stamped with a National Character: Nineteenth Century American Color Plate Books, states that the book "represents some of the most delicate chromolithographic work done in America up to the time."  The large magnificent chromo-lithographs which were executed by Cosack & Co. in Buffalo, NY, depict the most outstanding decorative arts pieces produced for the Centennial, by among others, Tiffany & Co., James Carr, porcelain, Carrington, de Zouche, interior decoration, J.R. Land, church furniture, Axminster carpet, Mitchell, Vance & Co., chandeliers, and the worlds leading manufacturers.  The accompanying text is in English and French.  The book was originally sold in thirty-five parts, each costing two dollars, a substantial price for the time.  "Such large color projects remained very expensive throughout the century, limiting their circulation to the most affluent segment of society."  Reese's collection contains a salesman's sample case.  Scattered foxing throughout, but not affecting chromolothographic images.

 

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