Amedeo di Castellamonte (1618-1683)

Various authors

LA VENARIA REALE, PALAZZO DI PIACERE E DI CACCIA IDEATO DALL`ALTREZZA REALE DI CARLO EM. II DUCA DI SAVOIA

1674 - 1st edition
Book format 4°, 26,8x19,5 cm. 99 numbered pages, in Italian. Title page printed in black, two calligraphic titles, copperplate frontispiece, dedication to Duchess Maria Johanna of Savoy (1644–1724), featuring her portrait in the costume of Diana and 62 copper engravings, many of them foldable, after designs by J. Mielle, G. F. Baroncella, Sacchetti, or Demphin, engraved by artists such as G. Tasniere. Luxurious full leather binding in red morocco, marked on the front endpaper "R. PETIT." Spine with 5 raised bands and gold letters, gilt borders on the inside of the covers, gilt edges, endpapers with marbled paper. Ex libris of Carl Franz Georg Richard Schwerdt (1882–1939) on the front endpaper. Published by Bartolomeo Zapatta in Turin in 1674. The entire book, including the binding and foldable supplements, is in exceptionally good condition, with only a few engravings partially trimmed at the lower edge in the text area and a few minor stains. This famous and sought-after monograph on the renowned Baroque palace is one of the rarest books from Piedmont and one of the finest publications on the art of hunting. The text takes the form of a dialogue between the author, the architect and first ducal engineer, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The engravings depict the palace`s architecture, gardens, hunting scenes, plans, and images from the decoration of the ducal residence, capturing portraits of members of the ducal family and court. It is very rare to find a complete edition in such good condition as this copy. Compare with: Finarte, Libri, Autografi e Stampe, 15 dicembre 2023, Roma, lot 85; https://www.zvab.com/Venaria-Reale-Palazzo-piacere-caccia-ideato/31786385936/bd