Philip Gilbert Hamerton [ed.] — The Portfolio: An Artistic Periodical

London, Seeley, Jackson, & Halliday , 1883-1885. Leather. A superb collection of annuals issued by 'The Portfolio', a richly illustrated Victorian periodical known for its etchings, presented here in full tree calf. The 1883, 1884 and 1885 annual publications for 'The Portfolio', collecting together all of the year's issues of this British monthly art magazine. Uniformly bound in full tree calf, with raised bands and gilt to the spine. Very scarce copies of these particular annuals. Founded and edited by Philip Gilbert Hamerton, The Portfolio aimed to promote contemporary printmaking, especially etching, and was important in the British Etching Revival. Indeed, The Standard remarked in 1874 that the publication's "speciality, as probably most people know, is the etchings with which it is adorned." Early contributors included Francis Turner Palgrave and Sidney Colvin. Featured here are articles and studies on George Morland, Windsor Castle, Phoenician art, portraits at Cambridge, Gothic remains at Ravenna, Jean Goujon, Benozzo Gozzoli, ancient Egyptian art and much more. With commentaries by Agnes D. Atkinson, Julia Cartwright, Vernon Lee, A. H. Church and others, including the editor.1883 Volume with a frontispiece, illustrated title page, forty-three plates, and numerous in-text illustrations. 1884 Volume with a frontispiece, illustrated title page, thirty-five plates, and numerous in-text illustrations. 1885 Volume with a frontispiece, illustrated title page, thirty-six plates, and numerous in-text illustrations. Collated, complete.  Uniformly bound in full tree calf, with raised bands and gilt to the spine. Marbled endpapers. Externally, excellent, with minor evidence of shelf wear. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and generally clean, with the odd spot. Near Fine . Ill.: Various. Near Fine .