Information
Naples, 1768. Folio, half-title with title within an elaborate cartouche, title page and allegorical dedication to Ferdinand IV, King of the Two Sicilies drawn by Filippo Falciatore and engraved by Volpato, 36 cc. of Italian-Latin double column text (engraved in copper) and 2 cc. no. with the list of tables. 66 magnificent plates engraved in copper f.t. with Roman numerals of which 4 on a double side illustrating places and monuments of Pozzuoli and the Campi Flegrei, the work of well-known painters and engravers of the time who, in addition to the majority executed by G. Volpato, are: F. Falciatore, G. Ricciardelli, F. La Marra, A. Cardon, G. B. Natali and others. Of particular note is the extraordinary view of the entire coast of Pozzuoli designed by Gabriele Ricciardelli. Amateur binding mz. leather and corners, cords, gold title on the spine. Full margin copy. Untouched. Preserved in an elegant hand-painted paper case, leather edges. Work entirely engraved.
Specialist Notes
Superb edition, one of the masterpieces of eighteenth-century typographic art, of great importance for the history of eighteenth-century Neapolitan graphics. Antonio Paoli (Lucca 1720 - Naples 1790) archaeologist and scholar, in addition to this work on the Puteola area, he was also interested in the antiquities of Paestum, partially publishing the results of a research campaign in the area, financed by Count Felice Gazzola in a another monumental work "Of the city of Pesto...". While the text reveals Paoli's old taste for pure erudition and some inaccuracies (detected by D'Ancora in his work "Guida..") the tables on the contrary show the high degree of perfection achieved by Neapolitan artists, for the scientific scruple with which they draw the various places and monuments, for the perfection and refinement of the engravings and for the scenographic effect which is particularly evident in the large views, enlivened by various characters including the artists and Paoli himself as known in the large "View of the coast of Pozzuoli" painted by Gabriele Ricciardelli. The work was printed in a small number of copies and sold at the price of 15 Neapolitan ducats, very high for the time.
Contact
Condition report
To request a Condition Report, please contact libriestampe@finarte.it
The department will provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that what Finarte declares with respect to the state of conservation of the objects corresponds only to a qualified opinion and that we are not professional conservators or restorers.
We urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. We always suggest prospective buyers to inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition during the exhibition days as indicated in the catalog.