Le Opere Del Pittore E Plasticatore Gaudenzio Ferrari Disegnate Ed Incise Da Silvestro Pianazzi Dirette E Descritte Da Gaudenzio Bordiga
RA Collection: Book
Record number
06/5658
Imprint
Milano: Coi Tipi Di Paolo Andrea Molina, MDCCCXXXV.
Physical Description
[10], 16, [156] p., [88] pl. (pl. [35] is dble.); 367 mm.
General Note
The plates carry no plate-numbers, except that pl. [86-8] carry the numbers 'T. III, II, I'.
Contents
[T.p., dedic.] - [Plates and texts].
Responsibility Note
All plates are signed as painted by Gaudenzio Ferrari; and all as drawn and engraved by Silvestro Pianazzi (except that pl. [8] is unsigned by the draughtsman and engraver, and pl. [48], [50], [51] are signed as drawn by Gio. Zanolo and engraved by S. Pianazzi).
The binder's name is gilt-stamped indistinctly inside the upper cover, 'A? Gratel...?'
The work is dedicated by Gaudenzio Bordiga to Elisabetta D'Austria ... Vice-Regina Del Regno Lombardo-Veneto.
References
A. Nova, 'Popular art ... response to the holy mountain at Varallo', in Reframing the Renaissance, ed. C. Farago (1995), p.112-26, 319-21; L. Lazzaroni et al., Il concerto degli angeli: Gaudenzio Ferrari e la cupola del santuario di Saronno (1994); V. Viale, Gaudenzio Ferrari (1969); R. Wittkower, 'Montagnes sacrées', in L'Œil, 59 (1959).
Summary Note
The publication-date of 1835 is given by the title-plate and the dedication. But the work was published for subscribers serially in fascicles. Wrappers of two fascicles are bound in with the Royal Academy's copy; which are numbered in ink, 1o and 23o, and carry the printed publication-dates of 1836 and 1846 respectively - the latter also carrying a note promising the future publication of fascicles 24-27 to complete the set.
On the title-page the imprint names the printer only. On the wrapper of fasc. 23 S. Pianazzi is described as both engraver and 'Editore' and distributors / publishers are named for Turin (G.B. Maggi), Varallo (C.G. Pianazzi), Vienna (Artaria & Co.) (the wrapper for fasc. 1. names also a distributor / publisher for Paris (Vallardi)).
The two wrappers also state that the print-run was of three hundred copies.
The plates are outline engravings showing paintings and painted terracottas executed by Ferrari in the sacro-monte at Varallo and in churches at Saronno, Milan and elsewhere, depicting the lives of Christ and of the Virgin and other saints. The plates are accompanied by explanatory letter-press texts, finely composed and printed by Molina.
Binding Note
19th-century half red morocco, marbled-papered boards; spine lettered 'Opere Di Gaudenzio Ferrari', 'R.A.' and 'Milano 1835'.
Bible., N.T.
Christian art and symbolism
Paintings - Frescoes - Sculpture - Terracottas - Churches - Church decoration and ornament - Italy - Varallo - Saronno - Milan - History - 16th century - Renaissance
Art history - Italy - 19th century
Pictorial works - Engravings - Typography - Italy - 19th century