$7,320
Mediolani: Antonius Zarottus, September 23, 1486. 188 leaves, 54 lines, Roman type; a-z, &, A, in eights, except f, i, n, s, in sixes, and A, four leaves. 4to, nineteenth-century marbled boards, gilt-stamped calf spine, elaborately hand-colored initials to first page in blue, green, red and gilt, with "Sforza" monogram crowned at the top with keys and bishop's mitre, text "Spero Lucem" below. Manuscript ex-libris Jacobi de Guazzoni of Cremona to final leaf. Rare second edition of the monumental "Sforziada," executed by the private secretary of the Sforza family, Giovanni Simonetta (Joannes Simoneta) between 1470 and 1479, to glorify the Duke and the city of Milan. The work, in 31 parts, comprises a biography of Francesco Sforza and a history of the Duchy of Milan from 1420 to 1466. A manuscript poem is included on the final leaf: "Franc(isc)i Sphortis primi mihi ducis epi(scopi) - Dextra mihi imperium peperit ...". Few manuscript notations to margins; minor spotting to first and last few pages; some light wormholing concentrated to lower inner fore edge; light dampstain to some pages; 1/4-inch tear to m8; spaces for initials left blank; minor rubbing to boards; otherwise fine.
Auctioneer:
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers
Date:
2011-04-05