Catalogo Dei Quadri Dei Disegni E Dei Libri Che Trattano Dell’ Arte Del Disegno.
[Venice], s.n. c. 1776.
8vo (221 x 147 mm.). [viii], LXXXp. Engraved allegorical headpiece (Volpato after Maggioto).
Modern vellum, mostly uncut.
The paintings (181), drawings (1211) and books (350) owned by Francesco Algarotti, a true Enlightenment figure. He was a widely recognized philosopher, a popularizer of Newtonianism, an intimate of Frederick II of Prussia and art advisor to Augustus III, Elector of Saxony. Francesco’s wide ranging love affairs involved, i.a., John Hervey, 2nd Baron Hervey (1696-1743) and Lady Mary Wortley Montagu (1689-1762). On his death, his collections passed to and were augmented by his brother Bonomo (1706-76), whose daughter put this catalog to press. Its authorship is attributed to architect Giannantonio Selva (1753-1819) and conservator and curator Pietro Edwards (1744-1821). A French translation appeared immediately and a German version in 1780.
The paintings and drawings are organized by artist, giving birth and death dates and principal place(s) of activity. Predominantly Italian 15th- to 18th-century, the paintings are carefully described, the support and dimensions noted and an aesthetic judgement, historical note or scholarly reference often added. Handled summarily, the drawings — even those of Michelangelo — are designated watercolor, red crayon, pen and ink, etc., with those on colored paper so indicated. The books cover architecture, lives of artists, curiosity cabinets, views, coins and medals, anatomy, travel guides, archaeology, perspective, monuments, pattern books, color….
Internally fresh, some scattered red crayon marginal marks.
¶Dall’Orto, “Algarotti, Francesco” in Who’s Who in Gay and Lesbian History edd. Aldrich & Wotherspoon I: 16-8; Schlosser-Magnino, La Letteratura artistica 564.
Price: $4,800.00
Status: On Hold