“Van Blon, E.” (prob. John H.B. Latrobe). [Frontispiece].

“E. Van Blon” (prob. John H.B. Latrobe).  [Frontispiece]. 

Baltimore: Fielding Lucas, 1827-8.  Aquatint by “John Hill.  5 ¼ x 7 ½ (image).  Full original hand color. Some minor soiling and  staining in margins.  Else, very good condition.  Dreppard, American Drawing Books, p. 8.  Includes the title page and a description of plate 7.  A/A

This frontispiece print is from one of the rarest and most sought after early “American art instruction book[s] with a reputation, and a catalogue and auction record that puts it beyond question in the rare book class.” Dreppard goes on to say, “I regard it [the book] as the keystone of any collection of American drawing books because it is so wholly and completely American.  Most if not all of the drawings were made by Latrobe.  The coloring was done or directed by Anna Claypoole Peale, and the major plates of scenery are as American as American can be.”  The print is signed by E. Van Blon, who appears in no listing of American artists and is probably John H. Latrobe, son of Benjamin Latrobe.