Saverio MANETTI (Florence, 1723-1795) Storia naturale degli uccelli. Ornithologia methodice digesta atque iconibus aeneis ad vivum illuminatis ornata. Florentia, in aedibus F. Mouck. (Volumes I, II, III; 1767-1771). Apud Cajetanum Cambiasium, typographum regium. (Vol. IV, 1773). In typographia Iosephi Vanni. (Volume V, 1776). Five in-plano volumes (470 x 370 mm), full vellum rigid; speckled edges. Italian binding of the time. All leaves mitered. Collation: Volume I: (4 ff), portrait of Giovanni Gerini, Florentine senator, engraved by Violante Vanni, 96 pages and 120 plates. Volume II : (3 ff) 86 pages and 120 plates. Volume III : (4 ff), 78 pages and 120 plates. Volume IV : (2 ff), frontispiece engraved by Lorenzi, (1 f) notice to the reader, 72 pages and 120 plates. Volume V : ( ff), frontispiece engraved by Lorenzi, 99 pages and 120 plates. (Only the title parts of volumes I and III have been preserved, that of volume III is incomplete. The body of volume V has been disassembled. The titles and false titles, for the most part, mounted on short tabs like all the volumes, are disjointed). Exemplary with sumptuous colours, perfectly fresh, free of freckles. This work, whose publication lasted ten years, is considered one of the greatest successes of 18th century Italian typography, and one of the most beautiful illustrated books on ornithology, from all periods and all countries. Printed on a strong yard of exceptional quality, perhaps specially made for the book (all the leaves are mitre-mounted, and bear the same watermark, precisely in their centre), the plates engraved by Lorenzi and Violante Vanni are enhanced with striking colours, in gouache and watercolour. Provenance: - Martelli family (1767-1858). Ex-libris 18th century with the motto "Sola virtus vera nobilitas". This ex-libris is that of the patrician Martelli family, whose house is now the Municipal Museum of the city of Florence. Niccolo Martelli, Senator, is one of the subscribers: his name appears at
We use cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience, perform site traffic analysis, and deliver content and advertisements most relevant to your interests.
Cookie management:
By allowing these cookies, you agree to the deposit, reading and use of tracking technologies necessary for their proper functioning. Read more about our privacy policy.
