Beschreibung:

Bernardino A., “Trattato delle Piante Immagini de Sacri Edifizi di Terra Sancta disegnate in Ierusalemme”, Firenze, 1620. Second edition but the first magnificently illustrated. Folio 30x22cm, contemporary vellum, engraved title page within architectural border, complete with the thirty four (34) Folio engraved plates, with the 46 (numbered 47) fine illustrations by the famous Jacques Callot (15921635, the best early 17th century French engraver). Inconsistent pagination, large printed device on verso of the last leaf dated 1619, marginal repairs, inner joints of some leaves strengthened, book plate of Jean Philibert, Peysson de Bacot at the front and those of John and Michael Bury at the back. Father Bernardino travelled and stayed several years in the Levant in late 16th century. The drawings of Bernardino, working with the forms of perspective, introduced a new standard of naturalism and topographical veracity for the sites of Holy Land and they are the very first of their kind in all publications for the Levant. Many of the buildings now lost or completely changed, are described in details, as they were still present in late 16th century. A very influential book introducing naturalism in publications with engraved plates. Even Rembrandt owned a copy of this edition and borrowed from it Bernardinos rendering of the temple of Jerusalem as a domed octagonal building. The first edition of this travel in the Levant and the Holy Land was printed in 1609, without plates. Jean Philibert, the ex owner, was an ardent French 18th century bibliophile with a collection of 1750 books, dispersed in sale in 1779. Not in Atabey, Blackmer or any other known collection. Extremely rare.