° ° George Vertue FSA (1684-1756) - English engraver and antiquary: A small archive of letters, drawings and prints, including a pen and ink sketch of Sir Peter Paul Rubens’s, ‘’Peace and War’’, together with commentary; a 3pp. autograph letter, 8vo, from Vertue to Dr. Ducarel (1713-85) [Antiquary, librarian and archivist], dated June 22nd, 1750, on various matters, including Vertue’s visit to Westminster, with a Mr. Widemore, to inspect some ancient buildings that were due to be demolished; a 2pp. autograph letter from Vertue to an unknown recipient, dated January 27th, 1744, concerning a meeting at the Society of Antiquaries, where the president, Martin Folkes (1690-1754),discussed his collection of silver and copper coins and medals; a 2pp. autograph letter, undated, 4to, to an unknown recipient, concerning a visit to inspect pictures at Hampton Court, the Royal apartments there, where he met the Prince and Princess of Wales and their family [He was commissioned to produce a catalogue of the collections of the royal family, by the Prince, an avid collector of his work] and, the following day a visit to view the pictures at Windsor Castle; various correspondence from L. Schrader, secretary to Frederick, Prince of Wales (1707-1751), somewhat terse, including one dated February 28th 1750, 1p, 8vo, ‘’Mr. Vertue is to bring the print of K. Edward 6, and if he has anything else to Pal Mal house, at 5 o’clock today’’ to which Vertue adds a note. ‘’the last time I ever waited on his R Highness’’, signed GV; in the hand of Frederick, Prince of Wales, 4 leaves listing important pictures in the Prince’s houses, with a note added by Vertue to 1p., ‘’as the same time his RH writ this list of his own pictures. Such as he thinks principally most valuable - leaving out many portraits and small pictures, trimmings and enamels, in his several houses, Leicester, Pellmell, Kew and Clifden [sic]’’, dated September 26th 1750; a small quantity of notes, one signed and 4 various engravings by Vertue and 3 portraits of the engraver by others.**CONDITION REPORT**PLEASE NOTE:- Prospective buyers are strongly advised to examine personally any goods in which they are interested BEFORE the auction takes place. Whilst every care is taken in the accuracy of condition reports, Gorringes provide no other guarantee to the buyer other than in relation to forgeries. Many items are of an age or nature which precludes their being in perfect condition and some descriptions in the catalogue or given by way of condition report make reference to damage and/or restoration. We provide this information for guidance only and will not be held responsible for oversights concerning defects or restoration, nor does a reference to a particular defect imply the absence of any others. Prospective purchasers must accept these reports as genuine efforts by Gorringes or must take other steps to verify condition of lots. If you are unable to open the image file attached to this report, please let us know as soon as possible and we will re-send your images on a separate e-mail.
