John Ruskin - Modern Painters - 1873

Lot Title:John Ruskin - Modern Painters (Complete 5-Volume Set) - 1873 - Rare "Autograph Edition" Signed by the AuthorDescription:A rare and complete 5-volume set of the monumental work Modern Painters by the celebrated Victorian art critic John Ruskin, published in London by Smith, Elder & Co. in 1873.This 1873 edition holds significant historical importance as the very first uniform complete set of all five volumes, strictly limited to only 1,000 copies due to the wear of the original steel printing plates.Key Feature: At the end of the Preface in Volume I, this copy features the original handwritten signature of John Ruskin in black ink, signed by his own hand to certify the authenticity of this limited edition ("...with my own hand this preface to every copy, thus certifying...").Item Details:Author: John Ruskin, LL.D.Publisher: Smith, Elder and Co., 15 Waterloo Place, London.Year: 1873Binding: Original publisher's textured brown cloth, featuring rich gilt decorations and lettering on the spines.Condition Report (In need of restoration / Ideal for collectors):The interiors are generally clean with scattered foxing consistent with age (as shown in the photographs), but the paper remains crisp and sound. The original plates and engravings are well-preserved.The external cloth bindings show pronounced signs of age and wear:The spine of Volume II is heavily damaged, split along the joints with significant loss of cloth at the head.The head and tail caps of the other volumes (especially IV and V) are chipped, frayed, and rubbed.The gilt decorations on the spines remain remarkably bright and legible.A scarce opportunity to acquire a rare, author-signed limited edition from one of the most influential minds of the 19th century—highly deserving of a professional re-backing or restoration.