- 527
Kircher, Athanasius
Estimate
3,000 - 4,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Kircher, Athanasius
- Musurgia universalis, sive Ars magnus consoni et dissoni in X. libros digesta, Rome: heirs of Francesco Corbelletti (volume 2: Lodovico Grignani)1650
- Paper
2 volumes in one, folio (32.5 x 22cm), [20], 690 & [24 (index)] pages; volume 2: [2], 462 & [12] pages (+ blank), elaborate engraved additional title by Baronius after Schor, portrait of Leopold Wilhelm, Archduke of Austria, and 21 engraved plates (2 folding), extensive type-set music, many woodcut diagrams and illustrations of musical instruments, early blind-stamped vellum boards, rebacked, new liners, some early annotations in Latin to margins, early ownership inscription ("Tho: Mort. pr: 18s:"), and later dating to title, lacking final 12 leaves (indices and errata), some browning to the plates, some plates (eg XVII) tightly bound, plate XIX trimmed, tear to folding plate XX, large woodcut trimmed on p.402
Literature
ICCU\MUS\0118998; Hirsch, i 266; Gregory & Barlett, p.135; RISM Écrits, p.449; Caillet 5785;
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
The Musurgia universalis is arguably the most splendid of all seventeenth-century works on music theory and is undoubtedly one of the most influential, being drawn upon by almost every later German music theorist until well into the eighteenth century (TNG). The work is of great value for its descriptions and illustrations of a large number of contemporary and historical musical instruments, grandiose contraptions designed by the author himself, and a famous plate transcribing bird-song.