Lot 176: TERNITE, Wilhelm (1789-1871). Wandgemälde von Pompeji und Herculanum. Nach den Zeichnungen und Nachbildungen in Farben von W. Ternite. Mit einem erläuternden Text von C.O. Muller. Berlin: Georg Reimer, 1839-1844.

TERNITE, Wilhelm (1789-1871). Wandgemälde von Pompeji und Herculanum. Nach den Zeichnungen und Nachbildungen in Farben von W. Ternite. Mit einem erläuternden Text von C.O. Muller. Berlin: Georg Reimer, 1839-1844.

First series in 3 parts, broadsheet 2° (800 x 593mm). Letterpress title, 3 dedication leaves, and sheets 1-8 of text. Chromolithographic frontispiece and 24 plates after Ternite, most by H. Asmus and J. Storch, including 3 coloured and 2 tinted lithographs, each part with plates numbered 1-8. Some plates in pt. 1 on larger sheets (895 x 617mm). (Variable spotting, more prevalent in pt. 1, some marginal soiling and edge tears to larger sheets.) Original grey wrappers with lithographic design in brown by and after Heinrich Asmus (a little frayed), preserved in a portfolio (not made for the work).

RARE COPY OF THE FIRST SERIES. Ternite's large-scale documentation of the frescoes discovered at Pompei and Herculaneum was conceived during a visit in 1825. Two further series were published up to 1858, bringing the total to 11 parts (of a projected 24), illustrated by 89 plates including the frontispiece. The 'Erste Folge' is devoted to two decorative cycles: Apollo and the Muses (Heft 1), reproduced by 9 figures on 8 plates; and a Bacchic Cycle (Heft 2-3), documented by 20 figures on 16 plates. Brunet V, 726; Furcheim p. 91: 'Ganz complete Exemplare der drei Folgen sind von grosser Seltenheit'; García y García pp. 1168-1169 no.13.517: 'Per la particolare importanza e rarità dell'opera ho giudicato necessario darne una dettagliata descrizione'.

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