C.L.J.L. Bonaparte | Iconografia della fauna Italica. Rome, 1832-1841, 3 volumes, folio, half calf

Charles Lucien Jules Laurent Bonaparte

Iconografia della fauna Italica per le quattro classi degli animali vertebrati. Rome, 1832-1841

PRESENTATION COPY, INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR TO HIS WIFE (see provenance), 3 volumes, folio (378 x 270mm.), 180 hand-coloured lithographed plates by Battistelli, mostly after drawings by Carolus Ruspi and Petrus Quattochi, contemporary half calf, marbled boards, spine in five compartments with raised bands gilt, some light foxing, a few leaves detached in volume 1, extremities slightly rubbed

A monumental work, published in 30 parts, on the vertebrate fauna of Italy. Bonaparte's aim was to "increase the knowledge of all branches of the vertebrates by his researches and theoretical works", and through the Iconografia, he "added to the understanding of Italian mammals, reptiles, amphibia, and fishes, as well as birds" (Stresemann, Ornithology, p. 158). Bonaparte's research was aided through his "extensive private collection and library housed at his estate in Rome" (Adler, p. 29).

LITERATURE:

Anker 48; Nissen, Schöne Fischbücher 26; McGill/Wood p. 248; Nissen ZBI 459; P.T. Stroud, The Emperor of Nature Charles-Lucien Bonaparte and His World

PROVENANCE:

This copy was given by the author to his wife with the following dedication: "A Madame la Princesse Zénaide Bonaparte, modèle des épouses et des mères. L'Autheur après vingt ans de mariage"; 'Monica' bookplate