The Life of Sir David Wilkie - 1843

First edition complete in three volumes. Matching red morocco half binding with marbled boards. Marbled edges. Spine decorated in gilt compartments between 5 raised bands, decorated with vignettes and gilt lettered title and volume compartments. Marbled paste down and end papers. Frontispiece of the subject in first volume. Condition of all three volumes is Very good, some light rubbing to the boards, Printed by A. Spottiswoode in London. 8vo, 5 ½ x 8 ¾ in. Published in 1843, two years after Wilkie's sudden death while on a tour of the Mediterranean, and containing extracts from his journals and letters. Born in Scotland trained at the British Royal Academy, Wilkie became the originator of British genre painting. In 1830 he was appointed painter-in-ordinary to King George IV. Well-known examples of his works depicting everyday life, including The Blind Fiddler, The Village Festival, and Blind Man's Bluff hang in the National Gallery of London, the Tate Gallery, Buckingham Palace, and Windsor Castle. Includes letter of introduction to Mr. Vogle, the Principal Painter to His Majesty, The King of Saxony, from Wilkie signed as "David Wilkie." Red wax seal present, small piece of paper filled in where the seal created a hold, else near fine. Bi-fold 4.5 x 7 in. "…This will be delivered to you by Mr. Charles McGrigor who is the son of my very esteemed neighbor and friend, Sir James McGrigor…If you will be pleased to show him the works you are now engaged upon, and inform him of what he should see in Dresden, you will greatly oblige…"