Index Testarum Conchyliorum quae adservantur in Museo Nicolai Gualtieri... et methodice distributae exhibentur tabulae CX.
Eur 7,000 / USD 7,300
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Florence, C. Albizzini, 1742. Folio (464 x 325mm). pp xxiii [including frontispiece], (1); ff. 126,with engraved frontispiece, portrait, 110 numbered full-page plates, 17 vignettes on section titles, 18 other vignettes and plates in text, 2 initials, main title and section titles in red and black. Early 19th century half calf, richly gilt decorated spine in 6 compartments (short split to joint of frontcover).
The present work shows Gualtieri's collection and is one of the most curious and beautiful books on shells ever published
A fine large uncut copy of the first edition of this beautiful shell book. Niccolo Gualtieri (1688-1744) was a professor at the University of Pisa and physician to Cosimo III, Grand Duke of Tuscany. The Duke was a keen collector and had a magnificent cabinet of shells including 360 species sent to him by Rumphius, and many of the duplicates were given to Gualtieri. The present work shows Gualtieri's collection and is one of the most curious and beautiful books on shells ever published. Many of the shells are depicted standing on their apices. Both engraving and typography is exceptional. The vignettes show marine scenes and corals. The engravings are by P.A. Pazzi after drawings by Giuseppe Menabuoni (1708 - after 1745).
Gualtieri's collection is extant and can be found in the Museo Storia Naturale in Pisa. Many pages have a circular library stamp of Academie de Macon at the outer margin not affecting the illustration.
Nissen ZBI, 1736.