Rosellini, Ippolito

FIRST EDITION, 12 volumes (9 volumes text and 3 plate volumes), 8vo (220 x 135mm.) and folio (642 x 503mm.), plates: 3 volumes, half-titles, 395 engraved plates (numbered 1-169, 1-135 and 1-86, with plate no.120 in vol.2 in 2 states and plate no.44 in vol.3 with 4 bis plates), approximately 136 coloured by hand (varying from full colour to a few details), text: 8 volumes in 9 (vol.3 of Monumenti storici in 2 parts, separately bound), 14 plates (13 folding) and 44 full-page illustrations, uniform contemporary half morocco, spines gilt with cypher "FA" (see footnote), spotted, old repair to 3 plates in vol.3 (no.65, 69 and 70), bindings slightly rubbed, some wear and repairs to spines of plate vol., head of spines of a few text vol. slightly chipped

Duke of Genoa, book labels "Biblioteca di S.A.R. il Duca di Genova" and stamps "Biblioteca del Duca di Genova"; also gilt cypher on spines "FA", presumably Ferdinando Maria Alberto Amedeo (1822-1855), Duke of Genoa.

Ferdinando was the nephew of Leopoldo II who financed Rosellini's expedition (see footnote).

Hilmy, II, 182; Gay 2218

The condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description
"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."

Ippolito Rosellini (1800-1843), considered the father of Italian Egyptology, studied under Jean-François Champollion, whom he met in Florence in 1825 and later became a great friend and associate. In 1828 Rosellini accompanied Champollion on the Franco-Tuscan expedition to Egypt, which was financed by the grand duke of Tuscany, Leopoldo II (to whom the work is dedicated), and the king of France, Charles X.

This work is the result of that expedition and is divided into 3 parts:

Parte prima. Monumenti storici, atlas and text vol.1-4 in 5 vol. (vol.3 in 2 vol.), 1832-1841, 169 plates, text with 11 folding plates and 44 full-page illustrations
Parte seconda. Monumenti civili, atlas and vol.1-3, 1834-1836, 136 plates, text with 2 folding plates, 2 errata leaves
Parte terza. Monumenti del culto, atlas and one vol. text ("tomo unico"), 1844, 90 plates (including 4 bis plates no.44), text with one plate and errata leaf at end

Complete sets of the work are rare. We have traced only one copy at auction in the last 35 years (sale in these rooms, 10 May 2011, lot 167, sold for £140,000).