Colin Campbell (1676-1729), Scottish architect, engraver, and writer who worked in London and the English countryside was the chief propagandist for the Palladian revival in early eighteenth-century England.

Campbell prepared engravings of prominent British buildings for Vitruvius Britannicus from 1715-25. This work inaugurated an entirely new phase of English architectural publishing. Vivtruvius Britannicus was decisively affected by Giacomo Leoni’s translation of Palladio. Campbell rejected the excesses of Italian Baroque architecture and called for a return to the decorum of the ancients, of whom Palladio was the most recent example.

Vitruvius Britannicus marks the launch of the Palladian phase of English architecture more than any other event. Campbell claimed that the true heir of Palladio’s classic correctness was Inigo Jones, his Banqueting House at Whitehall one of his most famous designs. The English country house, for the landowning aristocracy, leaned heavily on Palladianism, and is well represented in Vitruvius Britannicus.

Published by a group of London booksellers, Vitruvius Britannicus consisted of three volume folios, each contained one hundred large and accurately engraved plates. This work was tremendously influential in spreading the Palladian style throughout England.

17 3/4” x 22 1/4”

Condition is very good with light fold marks. Light age toning, full margins, sharp impression.

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