Veneres et Priapi - Erotic Gems - c1785 - Rare complete English edition

"Veneres uti observantur in gemmis antiquis"

'Lugd. Batavorum' ; [but London]

Pierre d'Hancarville

c1785

Rare Complete English edition of this important book of erotic Antique gems, compiled by Baron d'Hancarville for sir William Hamilton, the British ambassador to Naples

The book contains a frontispiece, introduction and 70 (of 70) engravings with accompanying English text. Fading to the top of several pages, a few marks to binding, otherwise very good. 19th Century Gold gilt red morocco.

The work contains various erotic engravings including images of men and women, phalluses and animals in some scenes. All are supposedly based on gem stones that had been discovered in the region. This copy is bound in mid 19th Century red morocco and has a rather bland title "antique gems" on the spine.