Liber Naturae; or, A Collection of Prints from the Drawings of Thomas Girtin was published in 1883 by Neill & Son (Neill & Son, 1883). The sale of the publisher's widow included a substantial stock of the 12 mezzotints and three 'surplus' prints, suggesting that the publication of the edition of 100 had not been altogether successful.

Lugt, Catalogues, no.51334

Copy consulted: Netherlands Institute for Art History, The Hague, online at Art Sales Catalogues Online

'GIRTIN'S "LIBER NATURAE"'

• 77 – ‘A series of Mezzotints engraved by S. W. Reynolds in 1823-24, from drawings by Girtin for an intended publication of a similar character to Turner’s River Scenery, &c. For some reason the publication was not carried out until the plates having come into the possession of the late Mr. Neill a limited number of impressions were issued by him and the plates then destroyed. The set consists of 12 mezzotint engravings of Landscapes, the engraved Title with portrait of Girtin, and a specimen of the destroyed plates, enclosed in a suitable portfolio.’
• 78-88 – 31 sets of the complete set of twelve prints on ‘plain paper, published at £5 5s’ (100 printed)
• 89-106 – 26 sets of ‘early impressions on india paper, published at £8 8s.; each set has in addition three surplus plates, published separately at £1 11s. 6d’
• 107 – 'Girtin's "Liber Naturae." The entire remaining stock of imperfect sets', 13 prints plus 'Surplus Plates: Carnarvon Castle ... Warkworth Castle ... and Tynemouth ... also the 13 destroyed Copper Plates'
• 108 – Girtins Liber Naturae, early trial proofs of 4 of the series, including Arthur's Seat, an unpublished plate'

ENGRAVED COPPER PLATES

• 110 – 'Portrait of J. M. W. Turner, a Photogravure from the drawing by T. Girtin, in the possession of Miss Balfour'
• 113 – 'T. Girtin. Warkworth Castle; Carnarvon Castle; and Tynemouth, mezzotints, by S. W. Reynolds, these were the 3 "surplus plates" given with the special sets of the Liber Naturae'

Thomas Girtin

• 120 – ‘Architectural Details of York Cathedral, &c. sketches in pencil, in a portfolio (see MS. note inside)' 33. Bought by 'Daniell' for 3s

‘J. M. W. TURNER’ (Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775–1851))

• 135 – ‘Ruined Temple, Bay of Baiae, early drawing in water-colours’. Bought by 'Ward' for 7s
• 138 – 'An Italian Town seen through an ancient Archway; and a Roman Arch in ruins, water-colours'
• 139 – 'An Italian Town; and Ruins of an ancient Castle, water-colours'. Bought by 'Ward' for 4s