Sacrarvm Cerimoniarvm, Sive Ritvvm Ecclesiasticorvm Sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae Libri Tres.
Rome, Valerio Dorico 1560 [colophon 1559].
Folio (328 x 225 mm.). [iv], 135, [1] leaves. Double-column, one architectural and two figured series of woodcut initials, ONE-THIRD-PAGE WOODCUT OF THE POPE HANDING A ?CEREMONIAL TO A KNEELING CARDINAL, title woodcut of Saint Peter with the Keys of Heaven.
CONTEMPORARY BROWN MOROCCO DECORATED BY THE RUIZ BINDER with a stylish gilt interlacing strapwork frame and central lozenge, in the middle THE GILT AND PAINTED ARMS OF POPE PIUS V on the front panel and on the rear THOSE OF HIS SECRETARY OF MEMORIALS, TEODOSIO FIORENZI, a gilt fleuron in each spine compartment (minor neat repairs), evidence of eight red textile ties, all edges gilt.
The “Papal Ceremonial…regulates the observance of the papal court, the elevation and coronation of the pope and the imperial coronation” (New Grove2). It prescribes the movements, gestures, actions, ornaments and vestments of the officiants. This most elaborate and complex part of the liturgy remained unaffected by the sweeping changes introduced by the Council of Trent. In addition to codifying public ecclesiastical ritual, the text provides templates for, i.a., papal travel, church lighting and the reception of foreign and domestic dignitaries. This is Dorico’s only liturgical printing.
This copy is among those bound for Pius V to be distributed to his intimates. Appointed Segretario dei Memoriali by Pius V in 1566, Fiorenzi examined and presented to the pope all petitions from his subjects and replied to each as the pontiff directed. In 1570, Pius V raised Fiorenzi to conte of Montecerno, and, in 1588, he became Bishop of Osimo.
The early manuscript notes in the margins of a dozen leaves focus on the role of the cardinal serving as the lead Bishop-Assistant (cardinalis assistens) to the Papal Throne. In good condition (six sorts touched by worming, a dozen blank outer margins damaged by an ink spill).
¶Barberi, “I Dorici, tipografi a Roma” in Tipografi romani del ‘500 143; Macchi & Macchi, Atlante della legatura italiana. Il Rinascimento 60-1; EDIT16 CNCE 11958.
Price: $18,500.00