- 150
Ramusio, Giovanni Battista
Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Secondo volume delle navigationi et viaggi... nel quale si contengono l'historia delle cose de Tartari, & diversi fatti de' loro Imperatori, descritta da M. Marco Polo Gentil'huomo Venetiano, & da Hayton Armeno. Venice: Giunta, 1583
- Paper
Folio (315 x 217mm.), woodcut printer's device on title-page and final verso, woodcut initials, woodcut illustration of a rhubarb plant, seventeenth-century German vellum tooled in gilt (now mostly faded to black), flat spine tooled in gilt with manuscript title on a paper label, coloured speckled edges, two pairs of green silk ties, small hole at foot of title-page, a few small marginal wormholes, binding slightly soiled and warped, lacking ties
Provenance
Wolfgang Engelbrecht von Auersperg (1610-1673), governor of Carniola, inscription on title-page stating this was added to the library in 1655, and a later Auersperg bookplate, Fuerstlich Auerspergsche Fideicommissbibliothek zu Laybach
The Auersperg library in Ljubljana was one of the most substantial private libraries of the age, and was particularly rich in Italian books. It was assembled with the assistance of the historian Johann Ludwig Schönleben, who wrote the notes on the title-page. The more valuable books in the library were dispersed at auction by Sotheby's, 14-15 June 1982, where this volume was part of lot 324.
Literature
Censimento 16 CNCE 36412; Western Travellers to China 8
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
Ramusio's collection of texts was first published in 1550-1559, in three volumes. This volume includes Marco Polo's account together with other journeys through Persia, eastern Europe and Russia.
The woodcut of rhubarb appears because it was imported into Europe via the Silk Road; Marco Polo searched for it during his travels, and found it in the mountains of Tangut to the north-east of the Tibetan Plateau.