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Illustrated descriptions of the old and new theatre of Amsterdam

[FOKKE, Jan or Myndert DE BOER (attributed to)].
Historie van den Amsterdamschen schouwburg.With: (2) Historie van den nieuwen Amsterdamschen schouwburg.
Amsterdam, Gerrit Warnars and Petrus den Hengst, 1772-1775. 2 works in 1 volume. 4to. With an engraved frontispiece, a small engraved illustration by Noach van der Meer II on both title-pages, 4 folding engraved plates of the old theatre; 5 folding engraved plates of the new theatre, all engraved by the publishers after designs by Van der Meer and 1 by Simon Fokke. Contemporary marbled calf, gold-tooled spine. [10], 80, [12]; [6], 56 pp.
€ 1,500
Large-paper copies of the first editions of two works on the schouwburg (theatre) of Amsterdam, the first on the old theatre, which burned down in 1772, and the second on the new theatre, which was built on the Leidseplein and finished in 1775. The large engraved plates show the exterior of the new theatre, together with the surrounding buildings and with people on the foreground, and the interior of both the theatres (the balconies and stages). Two plates depict the old theatre going up in flames and another plate shows the ruins. The text gives a history of both the theatres, including a description of the building process, the restorations and renovations, the staff, the stage equipment (lightning, decor, hoist tools, costumes, etc.), and also including a vivid description of the fire. The first work is often ascribed to Jan Fokke, but both works are also frequently ascribed to Myndert de Boer, who wrote the long poems in both works.
With bookplates. Binding rubbed along the extremities, slightly worn at the head and foot of the spine. The plate of the external fire with a large tear, some occasional spots and stains, but otherwise in very good condition. Van Aken III, p. 65 & 70; Muller, Historieplaten 4253a & 4283a; cf. Sluijter-Seijffert, "De Amsterdamse schouwburg van 1774", in: Oud Holland XC, 1 (1976), pp. 21-64.
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Art, architecture & photography  >  Architecture & Gardens | Music, Theatre & Dance
Low countries  >  Amsterdam | Art. Architecture & Literature