CLERK, John, Esq. of Eldin (1728–1812)

Etchings Chiefly of Views in Scotland

(Edinburgh: for the Bannatyne Club, 1825)

Folio; pp. vi, 27 leaves of plates (of 28, see note below)

The first edition of the etchings of John Clerk of Eldin (1728–1812), ‘a true child of the Enlightenment’ (odnb) and the author of An Essay on Naval Tactics (1790). Issued by the Bannatyne Club in an edition of only 40 copies.

Clerk was an exceptional amateur artist. His wealthy background afforded him the luxury of entertaining numerous careers, including medicine and business, and he also showed a considerable interest in geology. In the 1740s he began sketching alongside his brother-in-law, Robert Adam, and the artist Paul Sandby. Clerk travelled extensively throughout Scotland, recording a wide range of landscapes and ancient buildings. His sketches of Edinburgh and the surrounding areas are highly personal representations of his native countryside (National Galleries of Scotland).

Very good condition, though lacking plate 2 (‘The hill of Arthur’s Seat and Town of Edinburgh to Lochend’), but otherwise complete, and the etchings generally in excellent condition; occasional faint spotting and some very mild damp-staining, not affecting the plates. Old Japanese printed label to the cover.

A group of etchings from the second (1855) edition also available: please inquire.