L'Architettura Di M. Vitruvio Pollione Colla Traduzione Italiana E Comento Del Marchese Berardo Galiani Accademico Ercolanese, E Architetto Di Merito Dell'Accademia Di S. Luca Dedicata Alla Maesta Di Carlo Re Delle Due Sicilie, Di Gerusalemme ec. Infante Di Spagna, Duca Di Parma, Piacenza, Castro ec. Gran Principe Ereditario Di Toscana ec.
The 25 leaves carrying plates on their rectos bound in at the end of the volume each have a letter-press explanation on the verso of the preceding conjugate leaf. In some copies the plates and conjugate letter-press are bound as 25 single folded leaves rather than as 50 folios.
The number of unnumbered pages at the beginning of the book is described in some catalogues as eight.
Contents
[Frontis., t.p., dedic.] - Prefazione Del Traduttore - Idea Generale Dell' Architettura Estratta da' dieci Libri di M. Vitruvio Pollione - Vita Di M. Vitruvio Pollione - [Imprimaturs] - Indice De' Capitoli - [Variant readings] - Errori, Correzioni - M. Vitruvii Pollionis De Architectura Libri Decem / Dell'Architettura - Indice Delle Voci Greche; Indice Generale - Indice De' Rami - [25 pl., with 25 leaves of notes].
Responsibility Note
The numbered plates are signed as drawn by M. B. Galiani and (except for pl. 3) engraved by Franc. Cepparuli. The frontispiece is signed as designed by M. B. Galiani and drawn and engraved by F. la Marra.
The dedication headpiece is signed by F. La Marra as draughtsman and engraver; other woodcut tailpieces are signed as cut by Ign. Lucchesini.
The work is dedicated by Galiani to King Charles VII of Naples (afterwards Charles III of Spain).
References
Royal Institute of British Architects, British Architectural Library ... Early printed books, 4 (2001), no. 3501; National Gallery (Washington), Mark J. Millard Architectural, IV (2000), no. 162; Johns Hopkins University, The Fowler Architectural Collection (1961), no. 424, p.331; P. Riccardi, Biblioteca matematica (1952), 2: 618; B.Ebhardt, Vitruvius (1918/R 1962), p.79; L.Vagnetti , 2000 anni di Vitruvio = Studi e documenti di architettura, 8 (Sep 1978), 75.
Summary Note
This edition and translation of Vitruvius largely superseded that of Perrault (1684).
Galiani describes himself as 'Accademico Ercolanense' on his title-page, but a royal edict had forbidden all reference to Herculanean excavations before publication by the Accademia Ercolanese Di Archeologia - which constrained Galiani from elucidating Vitruvius by reference to the newly-excavated buildings. But his scholarly Latin text, clear translation, new plates and convenient summaries of earlier interpreters were greatly valued. The Italian translation was reprinted several times between 1790 and 1854.
The plates show plans, elevations and sections of reconstructed ancient buildings.
Provenance
Acquired by 1802. Recorded in Catalogue Of The Library In The Royal Academy, London (1802).
Binding Note
18th-century half calf, marbled-papered boards; spine lettered 'L'Architettura Di M. Vitruvio Pollione'.
Architecture - Theory - Architecture, Roman - History - 1st century B.C.
Treatises - Plans - Elevations - Sections - Reconstructions - Translations from Latin - Translations into Italian - Italy - 18th century
Treatises - Latin literature - Italy - Rome - 1st century B.C.
Pictorial works - Italy - 18th century