Böttiger, Johan Fredrik

Philipp Hainhofer und der Kunstschrank Gustav Adolfs in Upsala. 1–4.

Stockholm 1909-10. 40,5 x 29 cm. viii + 76; + viii + 100; + xii + 112 + ii + 24 (music); + xii + 32 pp. + 118 plates (2 folding). Sewn as issued, entirely uncut, printed wrappers. Edition limited to 200 copies. In this monumental work Böttiger describes the Augsburg Art Cabinet, one of the greatest treasures of Uppsala University. It was purchased by the City of Augsburg from wealthy businessman and art-collector Philipp Hainhofer, for whom it was constructed and its contents assembled between 1625 and 1631. It was then presented as a gift to the visiting Swedish King Gustavus Adolphus in 1632. The large cabinet is sumptuously decorated with miniatures and inlays in fine woods, precious metals and minerals. Its numerous compartments open in different ways, some hidden, and contain an overwhelming amount of curious artifacts and exotic naturalia, a universal museum in miniature which reflected the contemporary world picture. Among the greatest wonders is a spinet of Italian origin from about 1600, incorporating an automatic playing mechanism. Its three different melodies offer a unique opportunity of hearing early Baroque music in its original version.

• GBP 375.00 > other currencies
• ordernr.: 00520

• bookseller: Lowendahl Rare Books Ltd (THAILAND)