Fontana, Carlo

folio (440 x 300mm.), two title-pages in Latin and Italian, parallel text in Latin and Italian throughout, woodcut papal arms on titles, woodcut initials and vignettes, 79 engraved plates and maps (10 folding, many included in collation), contemporary Roman mottled calf gilt with the arms of Cardinal Domenico Maria Corsi, spine gilt in compartments, a few folding plates slightly torn, occasional light browning, binding somewhat scraped and worn

Domenico Maria Corsi (1633-1697), cardinal, arms on binding; Marchesi Corsi, of Florence, bookplate depicting the Villa Corsi Salviati (by Zocchi) in Sesto Fiorentino

BAL RIBA 1096

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."

FIRST EDITION of this lavish book about the buildings of the Vatican. The substantial printing costs were funded by the Congregazione della Rev. Fabbrica di San Pietro.

The binding can be identified as being from the Andreoli workshop, from the cherub and shield tools; for a much more elaborate binding in red morocco using some of the same tools, see Legatura romana barocca 1575-1700, plate 77, on the presentation copy of this book to Pope Innocent X.