Sir William Hamilton (1731–1803), anthropologist, archaeologist, and British ambassador to Naples, was a prominent figure in Europe during his time. Although the romantic relationship of his wife, Lady Emma Hamilton, with Horatio Nelson often overshadows his own activities, his work as a scientist and classicist significantly contributed to the study of Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Mount Vesuvius.

As a specialist in ancient art, Hamilton created an invaluable collection of ancient Greek vases, which was later sold to the British Museum in 1772. Before sending the pieces to England, he commissioned Pierre-François Hugues d'Hancarville, a daring connoisseur and art dealer, to document the vases with words and images. The resulting catalogue, published in four volumes and known as Les Antiquités d’Hancarville, represents a neoclassical masterpiece.

Never before had ancient vases been represented with such detail and exquisite beauty. With this reissue, TASCHEN revives d'Hancarville's masterful catalogue for the contemporary audience, accurately reproducing the same unparalleled images that inspired European admiration for the classical style.