(Binding) (Rospigliosi binding) [Fagnani, Prospero].

Index Generalis rerum ac verborum in commentarios super quinque libros Decretalium.

Rome: sons of Jacobus Feius Andreas for Joannes Casonus, 1661. 1 part only, of 8. Folio (349 x 225mm). Vignette arms of Pope Alexander VII on title. Contemporary Roman olive morocco gilt by Gregorio Andreoli for Cardinal Giulio Rospigliosi (later Pope Clement IX), tooled to a post-fanfare design incorporating azured lozenges derived from the Rospigliosi arms and fan corner ornaments, shaped compartments with a semé of tiny stars or flames, backstrip with central flower tool and arabesques, gilt edges. Slight wear at extremities, backstrip lightly faded and with minor repair at head, a few wormholes at tail, and slight wear in top compartment; lacking 2 index leaves, supplied in manuscript, 1 leaf torn with loss, toned. Previously named only for its main patron, the Rospigliosi bindery was identified by Josè Ruysschaert as the bindery of Gregorio and Giovanni Andreoli. It was one of the most active and celebrated Roman shops in the 17th century and counted among its patrons not only Giulio Rospigliosi, for whom the present binding was commissioned, but several other popes, noble families, such as the Medici and Borghese, and royalty, such as Giulio’s close friend, Queen Christina of Sweden. An identically bound copy of another part of this work was formerly owned by Major J.R. Abbey (see sale, Sotheby’s, 22 June 1965, lot 321, described as black morocco); it was reproduced in Hobson, French and Italian, no. 75, and listed as no. 40 in Foot’s list of the work of this bindery in Davis Gift, I, pp.326-336. Even before acceding to the papal throne, Giulio Rospigliosi was a renowned patron of the arts and author of operatic libretti. His library remained largely intact until 1933, when 60 books were offered for sale by the Roman bookshop, Il Bibliofilio (cf. Hobson, op. cit.). Provenance: Giulio Rospigliosi (Pope 1667, binding); John Hely-Hutchinson (bookplate, sale Sotheby’s 13 March 1956, lot 279, £180 to Foyle); Foyle sale July 2000, lot 171.

• USD 12,750.00 > otras divisas
• nº de pedido: 5134

• librero: Antiquarian Bookseller, John Windle (USA)