Meade, Richard M

Catalogue of Italian, Spanish, Flemish, and Dutch Paintings, Collected IiEurope, and Brought to this Country, by Richard W. Meade, Esq. nowExhibiting in the Gallery of the National Academy of Design, Clinton Hall

New York: Printed by Clayton & Van Norden, 1831 Important early catalogue of the collection of (mostly) European art formed by the American Richard W. Meade (father of Civil War General George Meade), consisting of over 80 paintings (e.g., Titian, Rubens, Vesasquez, with descriptions and the prices he paid). Meade (1778-1828) was a wealthy businessman a who served as the American naval agent for ten years in Spain, where he "He gathered a choice collection of pictures and statuary which later formed the basis for one of the first private collections in America" - DAB. Perhaps the most notable item (for Americans) which Meade brought back to the States was the original 1792 bust of George Washington done from life by the sculptor GIUSEPPE CERACCHI, which Washington declined to purchase, "for reasons which his exalted character will suggest," according to the cataloguer. "The Spanish Ambassador ... eagerly paid the price, and carried the ttreasure to Spain. From the widow of this gentleman Mr. Meade purchased the bust, for two thousand dollars, and restored it to its country. It is now for sale, and if it is not secured to us by the government of the United States ... its removal may hereafter be regarded as a disgrace to the country" (p. 31). I In fact, Meade was never able to sell it, but the Ceracchi bust which Meade rescued from Spain now resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York First edition. 8vo. 31pp. Disbound, but original stitching intact. Very good

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