ŁOSKI Józef
JAN SOBIESKI. HIS FAMILY, COMRADES IN ARMS AND CONTEMPORARY MONUMENTS.
A work decorated with 50 engravings.
Warsaw 1883. printed by Jozef Ungra, p. 113, tabl. engrav. 49(should be 50, woodcuts), 43 cm
Commemorative album to commemorate the bicentennial of Jan Sobieski's victory at Vienna. One of the most beautiful illustrated publications of the years 1870-1890, a book distinguished (along with the 1877 "Wilanów" portfolio) by its effort, documentary and aesthetic value (Source: Banach, Polish illustrated book, p. 317).
The work was decorated with 50 woodcuts, among others: A. Lesser, A. Regulski, I. Chelmicki, J. Styfi and A. Zajkowski, according to oil paintings found in the best Polish collections. In addition to mementos and portraits of John III, the plan of the battle of Vienna is shown, the battle scene and trophies won, as well as numerous castles and palaces (Olesko, Podhorce, Zolkiew, Wilanów) associated with the king.
In front of the title page, an equestrian portrait of the king made by J. Styfi based on an engraving by Charles de la Haye.
Rare, especially in publisher's binding!
LUXURIOUS PUBLISHER'S HALF LEATHER BINDING OF THE PERIOD WITH RICH DECORATION OF THE FACINGS ACCORDING TO THE COMPOSITION OF ALEXANDER LESSER, SYMBOLIZING THE POWER AND GLORY OF JAN III. BINDING SIGNED ON THE BACK BOARD F.A. BARTHEL BOOKBINDING AND STEAM ENGRAVING FACTORY IN LEIPZIG.
Condition DB/ minor abrasions and discoloration of binding, spine is professionally preserved, discoloration and radzwe speckles [foxing] and minor dampstains, in spite of some shortcomings, the piece is definitely worth attention; in a luxurious, attractive publisher's binding.