Lot 216: BERNATZ, JOHANN MARTIN.

SCENES IN ETHIOPIA. DESIGNED FROM NATURE. LONDON: F.G. MOON, 1852

2 volumes bound in one, oblong folio (410 x 530mm.), 2 additional pictorial tinted lithographed titles by P. Herwegen, lithographed map, 47 colour-tinted or tinted lithographed views by Leopold Rottman after Bernatz, one double-page (plates XI-XII joined), publisher's green morocco-backed cloth, lettered in gilt on upper cover and spine, gilt edges, somewhat spotted, extremities of binding slightly rubbed

LITERATURE

Colas 310; Gay 2586; not in Abbey

NOTE

The artist John Martin Bernatz, best known for the fine series of lithographs published in his Palestina (1868), was official artist to the embassy of Major William Cornwallis Harris sent in 1841 to open up trade with the ancient kingdom of Shoa. ``This collection of coloured plates comprises the first scenes of Shawa ever produced and are of a high quality. The first volume, `The Lowlands of the Danakil', contains scenes of Tajurah, a slave caravan from the interior and Oromo dancing. The second volume, `The Highlands of Shoa', presents us with views of Ankobar, King Sahla Sellase sitting in judgement, an Easter banquet, military manoeuvres and battle scenes, a religious procession, a slave market, male and female costume, etc.'' (Pankhurst)