La gran edición del Quijote de Ibarra (1780). Las estampas grabadas por Jerónimo Antonio Gil, Joaquín Fabregat, Rafael Ximeno y Fernando Selma

Abstract

The collection of the National Library of Mexico, presently under the auspices of the Bibliographic Research Institute of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, conserves a valuable collection of copies of El ingenioso Hidalgo don Quijote de la Mancha, including an edition published in 1780 at the Royal Printing Works of Joaquín Ibarra. Of so many versions published over the space of 400 years, this is perhaps the most beautifully-worked edition of the immortal novel. However, its particular interest lies in the fact that it features the collaboration of engravers Jerónimo Antonio Gil, Rafael Ximeno, Joaquín Fabregat and Fernando Selma, artists who later came to Mexico and founded the San Carlos Royal Academy of Fine Arts, presently the National School of Plastic Arts. Accordingly, this article focuses on the reproduction and study of the plates created by these artists.