18th Century Erotica; Veneres Uti Observantur In Gemmis Antiquis, by Pierre-Francois Hugues d'Hancarville, c. 1777

This rare edition presents Veneres uti observantur in gemmis antiquorum with all text in English in this variant. Compiled by Baron d’Hancarville, the work studies erotic and mythological scenes purportedly found on ancient engraved gems, illustrated in finely engraved black-and-white plates. The images, said to be drawn from esteemed collections of the period, include depictions of fertility, classical deities, and sensual tableaux, accompanied by scholarly commentary. It reflects 18th-century antiquarian taste and scholarly curiosity about classical erotic art.

18th Century Erotica; Veneres Uti Observantur In Gemmis Antiquis (Venuses  – i.e., erotic scenes or figures of Venus – as observed on ancient gems), by Pierre-Francois Hugues d'Hancarville, c. 1771. Half title - 'Veneres et Priapi' (Again, "Veneres" refers to sensual or erotic female figures, while "Priapi" refers to images of Priapus, a Roman fertility god often depicted with exaggerated sexual features. Together, the title suggests a visual and symbolic exploration of ancient erotic art involving male and female themes of desire and fertility.)

Published; Lugd Batavorvm (Printed in Leiden, Netherlands). The imprint “Lugd. Batavorum” (Leiden) on editions of Veneres uti observantur in gemmis antiquis is a false address frequently used for d’Hancarville’s erotic works. In reality, this English-language issue was produced in London a few years after the 1771 Naples/French first edition. It is generally regarded as the second edition, first English issue of the book.

Undated, but c. 1777. Cohen-de Ricci, Guide de l’amateur de livres à gravures cites the imprint as being c. 1777, as does Pia, Les Livres de l’Enfer. d’Hancarville is also documented in London in 1777 arranging an English edition for the British market.

A good copy of this very scarce publication. A linen bound hardback - the boards covered with a plain teal linen. Some splitting to linen from the top of spine. With light rubbing and wear. Plain endpapers with some cracking at hinges.

The text pages are good - they are generally bright and the plates are well presented.  There is some marginal staining to the vertical page of some pages near the front of the book. The binding is rather weak and would benefit from consolidation, and one page is detached, but present. There are a few pages with edge tears extending into the text. Occasional light scattered spotting. 4 Plates are missing (see list below) - however there are still 66 Plates present.

An imperfect copy, but a very scarce English language edition.

72pp Text  +  66 (from 70) plates, including (1) half title + (1) Title + (2) Preface.

Plates: 

1-43 (No. 44 missing); 

45 (No. 46 missing); 

47-50. (No. 51 missing); 

52-55 (No. 56 missing); 

57-64 (No. 64 located after No. 63); and; 

65-70. 

4 Plates missing - contains 66 out of 70.

Dimensions: 

Approximately 199mm high x 118mm wide x 26mm deep.

Weight approximately 210g (unpacked).

One image carries Ancient Greek text which translates as...

"Drink, eat, embrace — you must die; for time is short.
Live as an Achaean (Greek)."