Four 19th Century impressions from the original plates for "The Heads of Illustrious Persons of Great Britain" by Thomas Birch (1705-1766) of the Royal Society with engravings by Jacobus Houbraken (1698-1780 ) and George Virtue (1684-1756). It was first published in London by Knapton from 1747-1756. All are signed in plate: "J. Houbraken sculps. Amst.-Impensis J. & P. Knapton Londini.", dates include 1738, 1738, 1740 and 1741. Printed on wove paper, edges are trimmed, not matted, in frames under glass. Inscribed in the lower margin from the collection or in the possession of the following; The Duke of Bedford, the Earl of Burlington, Thomas Cook, Esq and Gilbert West, Esq. Plate impressions apprx 14-3/4"T x 9-3/8"W.
150/250 Sold $80.50
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