Elements of Art, a Poem in Six Cantos. With a preface, including strictures on the State of the Arts, Criticism, Patronage, and Public Taste.
London: William Miller, 1809. First edition. 8vo. xxviii, (4), 400 pp. American painter Washington Allston's copy, with his ownership signature at the head of the half title and with a small pen-and-ink sketch (2 1/2 x 2 inches) of a man’s head, perhaps of classical character, at the bottom of the half-title (facial features inked through). Allston (1773-1843), a native of South Carolina, graduated from Harvard in 1800 ("where he exhibited a flair for caricature") and studied under Benjamin West in London and at various cities on the continent, remaining in Europe, successfully painting and writing poetry, until 1818, returning to America only in 1808 to marry the sister of William Ellery Channing. He lived out his years in Boston "failing to bear out his earlier promise" (DAB). Some light foxing, but a very good, untrimmed copy, with a wonderful association. Original boards (very rubbed and worn, especially corners and edges), rebacked with blue paper, new leather spine label and endpapers. (#5998). Item #58762
Price: $1,250.00