1885 Art and Artists Clara Erskine Clement Illustrated Antique For Sale

Antique 1885 “Art and Artists” by Clara Erskine Clement – Illustrated Fine Art Book

Offered here is an original 1885 illustrated edition of Art and Artists by Clara Erskine Clement, published by Houghton Mifflin & Co., Boston.

This is a beautifully produced late 19th-century art history volume, featuring engraved illustrations and biographical sketches of some of the most important artists in Western history.

⸻

🔥 WHY THIS BOOK STANDS OUT

This is not just a reading copy — it’s a display-worthy antique.

✔ Rich decorative Victorian binding with embossed artwork

✔ Gilt title lettering still visible on front cover

✔ Illustrated throughout with detailed engravings

✔ Covers major masters:

• Leonardo da Vinci

• Van Dyck

• Rubens

• Raphael

• Dante (portrait featured)

👉 These books were designed to be both educational and visually impressive, and this one still delivers on both.

⸻

🖼️ ILLUSTRATIONS & CONTENT

• Multiple full-page engraved illustrations

• Fine detail line work typical of 19th-century printing

• Portraits and historical art reproductions

• Biographical stories of major artists

💡 Important selling point:

These illustrations are often removed and framed, making intact copies increasingly desirable.

⸻

📖 PUBLICATION DETAILS

• Title: Art and Artists

• Author: Clara Erskine Clement

• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin & Co.

• Year: 1885 (confirmed on copyright page)

• Printed at: Riverside Press, Cambridge

• Format: Hardcover illustrated antique volume

⸻

📌 CONDITION (VERY IMPORTANT — THIS ONE HAS ISSUES)

Please read carefully:

• Front hinge / internal binding is broken / separated

• Boards still present but structure is compromised

• Spine shows wear and edge damage

• Corners worn

• Some staining and age wear to cover

• Interior pages remain clean and readable

• Illustrations are still sharp and attractive

👉 This is a project / display / salvage / collectible copy, NOT a structurally sound reading copy.

⸻

This book appeals to:

• Antique book collectors

• Art enthusiasts

• Interior decorators (vintage aesthetic)

• Print / engraving collectors

• Buyers who restore or repurpose antique books

👉 Even in this condition, the illustrations alone carry value

⸻

💡 HONEST SELLER NOTE

Because of the binding separation, this is priced accordingly.

However:

✔ The content is intact

✔ The artwork is strong

✔ The book still has real collectible and decorative value