Meretseger Books

Della trasportatione dell’obelisco vaticano

FONTANA Domenico

Item #M4848

Extremely rare first edition. Domenico Basa, Roma, 1590. Folio, 410x268 mm. Binding of the XIXth century in half vellum with corners, title written on the back. 1 leaf not numbered with Title-page, 1 plate with portrait, leaves 2-108, 4 not numbered. Title-page, portrait of the author in elaborate architectural frame dated 1589 to lower margin, 38 plates which depict the different stages of transport, all etched. The tables are within the numbering of the leaves: three panels are added to the numbering are marked: 66-second, 75-second and 76-first. There are two on double-page, the 65 and 97-98; the table 75-second is folded. Handwritten notes and corrections of the time. Ownership note on the Title-page of Vincenzo Camillo Cav. Corbelli. In total, Title-page, Portrait and 38 plates, including 2 on double-page and 1 folded, all etched. Beautiful specimen, extraordinary plates by Natale Bonifacio illustrating one of the most ingenious engineering achievements of the Italian Baroque. For the imposing and spectacular feat over 900 people were employed, over 40 cranes were built to mobilize the obelisk that still stands in St. Peter's Square. The first table shows the various proposals in competition for the project, including the structure of levers designed by Camillo Agrippa. The winner of the Fountain is supported by cherubs. Brunet II, 1329; Cicognara 3736; Mortimer, Harvard English, 193; Fowler 124: "The plates are an important example in the development of architectural drawing." Language: Italian. Relevant subjects: Egypt: Travelers & Egyptologists.

Language: Italian.

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