Passeri, Giovanni Battista

3 volumes, folio (455 x 298mm.), 3 half-titles, 3 engraved frontispieces, titles printed in red and black with engraved vignette, engraved initials, head and tailpieces, woodcut illustrations, engraved dedication leaf in volumes 2 and 3, 301 engraved plates (some double-page), 3 woodcut plates in volume 3, contemporary half pink vellum with patterned paper boards, spines gilt in compartments, uncut, some foxing and browning, a few small marginal tears, boards somewhat worn with dent at head of upper cover of volume 3, spines faded

Domenico Cotugno (1736-1822, anatomist), letterpress booklabel

Blackmer 1265; Cicognara 2615

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."

Passeri (1694-1780) was a respected antiquarian who primarily focused on Etruscan civilisation. This work was one of many published in the eighteenth century which saw the Etruscans as pioneers, artists and inventors whose achievements were overshadowed by the Romans. Passeri also contributes in this work to contemporary discussion on the Etruscan and Oscan languages.