Aldrovandi, Ulisse

FIRST EDITION, folio (405 x 265mm.), engraved title, numerous woodcut illustrations in text, colophon leaf at end, contemporary Roman gilt vellum binding with arms of the dedicatee's family, gilt edges, somewhat spotted, 4 leaves browned (S1, S6 and Nnn3-4), short tear in colophon repaired, new endpapers, binding somewhat discoloured and repaired

BMNH I, p.26; Nissen SFB 7; Nissen ZBI 70; Wood p.185

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."

This copy has wide margins (cf. copy sold in these rooms, "Fine Natural History Books, the Property of a Gentleman", 5 June 2001, lot 4, 353 x 235mm.).

The arms on the binding are of the Hohenems family; the book was dedicated to Markus Sittich von Hohenems (1574-1619), prince-archbishop of Salzburg, but the arms on the binding have a coronet instead of a cardinal's hat, suggesting that the book belonged to another member of the family, perhaps Markus's brother, Kaspar von Hohenems (1573-1640). The outer and inner border are also found on a red morocco binding made in Rome in 1612 (Legatura romana barocca 1565-1700, plate 18).