The Gentleman’s and Connoisseur’s Dictionary of Painters Containing a Complete Collection, and Account, of the Most Distinguished Artists, Who Have Flourished in the Art of Painting...To Which are Added, Two Catalogues: The One, a Catalogue of the Disciples of the Most Famous Masters... The Other, a Catalogue of Those Painters Who Imitated the Works of the Most Eminent Masters So Exactly, as to Have Their Copies Frequently Mistaken for the Originals. A New Edition. To Which is Added a Supplement: Containing Anecdotes of the Latest and Most Celebrated Artists, Including Several by Lord Orford; Also, Remarks on the Present State of Painting by James Barry, Esq. R.A

London: J. Walker and G.G. and J. Robinson, 1748. Beautifully rebound in burgundy calf with raised bands and gilt to the spine, with the title “Pilkington’s Dictionary.” Quarto. 840 pages. Fine lustrous condition. A richly detailed reference book, initially published in 1770, and one of the first original art books in English, with special attention to Italian, Dutch, and Flemish art, as well as the contemporary art market in Britain. With James Barry’s ‘Reflections on the Present State of the Art of Oil Painting in England’ which was delivered to the Society of Dilettanti in the attempt to support the promotion of the arts in Britain beyond what he felt the Royal Academy was prepared to do. Matthew Pilkington (1701-1774) wrote poetry, studied to be a minister at Trinity College, Dublin. He later moved to London, and became associated with Jonathan Swift and Henry Walpole. His interest in historical painting and artists biographies led to the publication of this landmark work. (Inventory #: 19800E)