Giustiniani, Vincenzo

2 volumes, folio (455 x 350mm.), 2 engraved title-pages, engraved portrait of Giustiniani dated Rome 1631 in each volume, final leaf with engraved text in each volume, volume i: 147 engraved plates (of 148, numbered in manuscript 3-150), volume ii: four engraved portraits of other members of the Giustiniani family, 161 engraved plates (37 double-page), near-contemporary calf gilt, spine gilt in compartments, extremities slightly rubbed; volume i: lacking plate numbered 42, plate 64 with repaired tear, some plates browned; volume ii: title-page and portrait laid down, a few wormholes to plates, a few taller plates shaved at head and foot

Alessandro Gregorio Capponi (1683-1746), Rome, small armorial stamp on verso of title-pages and final leaf of volume i; armorial stamp on final leaf

Capponi's library catalogue was published in 1747 after his death; this book appears on p.196. He bequeathed his books to the Vatican Library.

Cicognara 3397 (dating it to 1651)

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."

The Giustiniani collections were assembled in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth century by Cardinal Benedetto Giustiniani (1554-1621) and the banker Vincenzo Giustiniani (1564-1637). They were patrons of Caravaggio but also amassed a substantial collection of classical statues, busts and friezes, which are recorded in this publication. Also included are depictions of the Palazzo Giustiniani in Rome where the collection was housed. The plates are by various artists including Joachim Sandrart, who lodged in the Palazzo Giustiniani in the 1630s.

The date of this publication has not been ascertained; the paper in this copy has the watermark of a kneeling saint holding a crozier, similar to Briquet 7628, which is dated to Fabriano 1602 and would therefore support a printing date of the early seventeenth century. The plates later went to Genoa where Carlo Losi reprinted the book in around 1757.