CUMBERLAND, Richard. Anecdotes of Eminent Painters in Spain, during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries; with cursory remarks upon the present state of arts in that kingdom. First edition. Two volumes. [2], 225, [1], [2]pp index; [2], 224, [2]pp index. A very good copy in full contemporary calf, double gilt ruled and blind tooled borders, gilt panelled spine with morocco label. Marbled edges and end-papers. Some slight dustiness to the final leaves, and joints have some cracking but are firm. small 8vo. for J. Walter. 1782. ~ From the mid 18th century there was a growing interest in the art and artists of Spain as travellers’ accounts drew comparisons with the work of the Italian masters. Auctioneers, dealers, and collectors sensed a new, relatively unknown source of supply, and Cumberland’s book was one of the earliest to provide them with detailed information. It was based on Antonio Palomino’s “Lives of the Spanish Artists”, first published in Spanish in 1724.