Lot 524: [FORE-EDGE PAINTINGS.] COWPER, William (1666-1709). Poems. London: J. Johnson, 1808.

2 volumes, 8 o (186 x 115 mm). Engraved frontispiece portrait in vol. 1. Contemporary blue straight-grained morocco, covers with filet and scroll gilt borders, spines gilt-lettered and decorated, edges gilt, each with a DOUBLE FORE-EDGE PAINTING (some minor rubbing to extremities); blue cloth slipcase.

Two fine double fore-edge paintings. The first volume shows, 1. a portrait of Cowper within circular frame and a vignette view of Weston Lodge in oval frame, the whole surmounted by a floral border with a chestnut tree in bloom, with hares in the corners; and 2. an animated scene of Boudicca attacking and burning Colchester within oval frame, the whole surmounted by bullfinch and goldfinch and roses. Volume II shows, 1. a portrait of Thurlow, Lord Chancellor, within circular frame and Olney Church within oval frame, surrounded by a border of apple blossoms; and 2. a portrait of Churchill, Westminster School, surrounded by oak tree robin and nightingale. (2)