First edition. Large oblong folio. 48cm x 30 cm. Contemporary half calf on marbled boards, rather worn, label to front board, matching marbled endpapers. Drawn by David Cox, engraved by R. Reeve. First edition, second issue. pp 32 (Titlepage, dedication, advertisement, and treatise) and 54 plates, comprising 23 soft-ground etchings, 16 uncoloured aquatints and 15 hand-coloured aquatint. Plates dated 1813. Please note lacks 1 soft-ground etching and 1 hand-coloured aquatint plate. Nevertheless, a very attractive contrasting series of plates, and an important volume in the development of art history and theory. The author takes the reader carefully through the process of building a picture, with very beautiful effects. Priced accordingly.