Engravings from Landseer – Edwin Landseer – 1876 | 1st American edition Folio

This volume of 1876 Edwin Landseer engravings published by J.R. Osgood and Company features a collection of full-page heliotype plates reproducing the animal paintings of Sir Edwin Landseer. Produced during a period of growing interest in photomechanical printing, this American edition includes a biographical sketch that outlines Landseer’s professional milestones and thematic focus. The volume was issued as both a tribute and accessible portfolio of his best-known compositions.

The heliotype process used here allowed for tonal reproductions of Landseer’s paintings at a time when traditional engraving was being replaced by newer photographic techniques. Many of the images depict animals in rural or narrative settings, drawn from his paintings originally exhibited at the Royal Academy. Each plate is printed on heavy stock with generous margins, preserving the clarity of the reproduced lines and shading.

The Boston first edition is uncommon, particularly in its original gilt cloth. While London printings of Landseer’s engravings are more often encountered, this American folio has become difficult to source complete and intact

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Engravings from Landseer, Reproduced in Heliotype with a Sketch of the Life and Works of the Artist
• Author(s): Edwin Landseer
• Illustrator(s): Edwin Landseer
• Publisher: J.R. Osgood and Company, Boston
• Edition: First American Edition, 1876
• Format: Folio, single volume
• Binding: Gilt-decorated green publisher’s cloth
• Size: 14 in × 11.25 in (35.5 cm × 28.5 cm)
• Collation: 81, [1] pp
• Illustrations: 24 chromolithograph plates
• Contents Include:
  • Sketch of the artist’s life
  • Reproduced plates with printed titles.

Condition:

Bound in publisher’s decorative green cloth with extensive gilt blocking to the front board and spine. The central panel features a gilt stag motif, bordered by geometric black ruling and ornamental stamping. Spine ends and corners show moderate wear. Gilt remains bright. All text and plates are present. Pages are clean throughout, with no evidence of damp, foxing, or tears. Margins are generous and uncut.

Why Collect This?

• First U.S. folio edition using early heliotype technology
• Retains publisher’s decorative cloth binding with bright gilt
• Contains American biographical text specific to this edition
• Presents large-format reproductions of Landseer’s most popular animal compositions
• Appealing to collectors of 19th-century illustration, animal art, and photomechanical printing

Item Number: #28620