Cervantes Saavedra, Miguel de

2 conjoint leaves, VV4-5 (ff. 340 and 341), 8vo (153 x 103mm.), manuscript note in Spanish at foredge of f. 340, slightly frayed at foot, a few paper repairs at head (not affecting text)

IA 135.273 (listing copies in the BL and Madrid BN); Palau 51928

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."

TWO LEAVES FROM CERVANTES' FIRST BOOK, the pastoral romance La Galatea, published in 1585 but written sometime earlier; Cervantes never wrote the projected second part. La Galatea was greatly influenced by Cervantes' stay in Italy in the early 1570s and his exposure to Italian humanism and Neoplatonism, and is closely modelled on Vergil's pastoral poems, the Eclogues, though with interpolations of epic features. Cervantes' character of Galatea was influenced by Raphael's painting in the Palazzo della Farnesina, Rome.

These two leaves come from the song of Calliope, towards the end of the book, where the muse praises Spanish poets, including Cervantes' fellow Complutensian, Francisco de Figueroa (c. 1530-c. 1588).

VERY RARE. We have not been able to trace any sale records for this edition.