Bertelli, Francesco

8vo (240 x 180mm.), 26 engraved plates (one folding), each approx. 145 x 100mm. and window mounted, modern navy crushed morocco binding by Sangorski and Sutcliffe, with a design taken from one of the plates in coloured morocco onlays on upper cover, matching slipcase, a few small wormholes in some plates

Colas 317; Lipperheide 3168 (both stating engraved title and 23 plates)

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."

RARE. This composite set of prints depict various Venetian characters in carnival masks, many of them up to no good; the final folding plate is taken from a different work and shows the procession of a doge and other Venetian dignitaries, and states that it was printed in Padua. All the prints bar one contain an engraved caption; the Feinsilber copy (sold at Sotheby's Paris in 2006) contained plates mostly without captions.

The subject matter was partly taken from engravings by Francesco's father Pietro Bertelli, in a work entitled Diversarum nationum habitus, first issued in the early years of the seventeenth century.