Memoirs of the Life of the Late George Morland

London: James Cundee, 1806. First edition. Leather. Very Good. 12" by 10". Plates after Morland. The first edition of John Hassel's beautifully engraved biography of painter George Morland, published only two years after his death. The first edition of landscape painter John Hassell's illustrated biography of his fellow artist, English painter George Morland. In a smart full calf binding.Illustrated with an engraved title page, and eight further plates, 'executed by the first artists [...] offered as a specimen of the talents of Morland in the respective subjects treated'. Collated, complete.Morland's finest work portrayed rustic and rural scenes, depicting rich landscapes informed by the Dutch Golden Age paintings. Many of his most iconic images are represented in this work.With the armorial bookplate of Mexborough to the front pastedown, and the contemporary owner's inscription of Alan Davies to a front endpaper. Davies' attractive illustrated bookplate appears to the front free endpaper.A charming and beautifully engraved biographical study, featuring a catalogue of the works of Morland to the rear. In a full calf binding. Externally, smart, with rubbing to back strip, most concentrated to head, and light discolouration. Minor rubbing to the leather of the boards, most concentrated to rear board. Bookplates to front pastedown and front free endpaper. Contemporary owner's inscription to a front endpaper. Internally, firmly bound. Significant spotting and discolouration to engraved title page. Pages otherwise lightly age toned to perimeters, but generally bright. Light spotting to plate perimeters, and pages facing them. Very Good