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A Rare Atlas in a Magnificent Binding
With an Important Provenance
Atlas/ Fine Binding.
NICOLOSI, G. B. [Rome, 1660]
Dell’Hercole e Studio Geografico Di Gio Battista Nicolosi Dottore Di Sacra Teologia Volume Secondo.
Folio
Dedication, title, “Avvertimento” and 14 map sheets. Original, highly ornate gold-tooled, red morocco binding in fine condition; original outline color on maps; some repaired worming and mends to centerfolds of maps, else excellent.
An atlas of Nicolosi’s wall maps, sumptuously bound by one of the most important binders of the 17th century. The book was made for Prince Giambattista Borghese, whose armorial bookplate is on the inside of the front cover. Giambattista Borghese (1639-1717), of the powerful Sienese/ Roman family, was an important patron of the arts. He purchased the family home that now houses one of the great art collections in Italy. The binding was made by the Andreoli Bindery, which in addition to their extensive work for the Borghese family also produced bindings for Popes Alexander VII and Clement IX as well as for royalty, including Queen Christina of Sweden. The crimson morocco binding has remarkably delicate, lace-like, gold-tooled designs framing the Borghese arms.
This volume contains a world map, consisting of two hemispheric maps, and continental maps of Europe, Asia, and Africa, each of which consists of four sheets. Nicolosi also published another volume that contained text and an eight-sheet map of the Americas that is not included here. The volume offered has all map sheets called for.
Shirley 418; Betz 94.1 |
