Antique Fine Arts Book Set: 1907 National Art Society De Luxe Edition

For sale is a complete four-volume antique set titled The Fine Arts: A University Course in Sculpture, Painting, Architecture and Decoration. Written in English and Published circa 1907 by the National Art Society of Chicago, this "De Luxe Edition" was presided over by editor-in-chief Edmund Buckley, Ph.D., of the University of Chicago, with consulting editors from Yale and Columbia Universities. These volumes represent a fascinating era of American self-education, originally designed to bring the prestige and curriculum of major university art departments into the private home library.

The content offers a comprehensive survey of art history and principles, spanning from the foundational works of ancient civilizations—such as Egyptian and Assyrian sculpture—through the masters of the Italian Renaissance and the Florentine School, and concluding with "modern" 19th-century sculpture by figures like Lorado Taft. The set is richly illustrated throughout with black-and-white photographs and plates of famous masterpieces, serving as an extensive encyclopedia for the art enthusiast. The books feature a striking aesthetic with intricate patterned endpapers and black leather bindings stamped with bright gold gilt lettering on the spines and front covers.

Disclosures:
Please be aware that this set is over 115 years old and shows significant signs of age consistent with this era. While the bindings remain sound in construction, the spines exhibit heavy wear and desiccation, often referred to as "red rot," which has resulted in evident chipping, flaking, and material loss, particularly at the tops and bottoms of the spines. While the text blocks appear sound and the interior pages are generally clean with expected age-toning, the exterior binding is considerably worn and should be handled with care. Despite the shelf wear, the gold gilt remains distinct, making this a handsome and authentic historical set perfect for display in a study or library.

Measurements (approximate - rounded to the nearest quarter inch):
12 inches in height
9 inches wide
0.75 inches thick

All sales are final so please don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions prior to purchase. Other objects found in the listing photos are for decorative use only and not included in this purchase.

VINTAGE & ANTIQUE
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SHIPPING
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PHOTOGRAPHY
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