La Bibbia - 1972

Rare Numbered Edition "The Holy Bible" & "The Gospel" (2 Volumes) – Italian Institute of Graphic Arts, Bergamo (1972-1974) – Personal Limited Print Run of only 200 copies

Description of the Work

Auctioning an exceptionally valuable, rare, and artistically significant editorial work: the splendid set consisting of "The Holy Bible - Old Testament" (printed January 1972) and "The Gospel" (printed May 1974).

This exclusive publication was entirely produced under the direction of Giorgio Longo at the renowned workshops of the Italian Institute of Graphic Arts Publisher in Bergamo.

Strengths & Rarity (Print Run Justification):

As expressly stated in the colophon of the volume "The Gospel", it is a "special edition of the Bible, composed of 200 per‑person copies". A work intended for a very small circle of collectors and bibliophiles, characterized by extraordinary care in printing and binding.

Technical Characteristics
Publisher: Italian Institute of Graphic Arts, Bergamo
Curator: Giorgio Longo
Years of Publication: 1972 (Old Testament) / 1974 (The Gospel)
Volume Format: Large format, approximately 25.5 x 30.5 cm
Language: Italian (translation from the original texts with annotations)
Binding: Fine premium blue-red hardbound binding, with lavish engravings, inscriptions and geometric motifs impressed in gold on the front cover and spine.
Iconographic Content: The work is magnificently enriched with reproductions of the finest Italian art works. Note of value for collectors: this is not a common typographic print on the page, but plates printed separately and hand-applied to the volume board, highlighting its visual quality and editorial value.
Extra content: Preface by Cardinal Gaetano Testa, official ecclesiastical approvals (Imprimatur) and reproductions of official letters.

Auction Lot Contents
Volume I: The Holy Bible - Old Testament (Cover with gold embroidery depicting the Tablets of the Law and the Menorah)
Volume II: The Gospel - Matthew, Mark, Luke, John (Cover with gold embroidery depicting the Crown of Thorns)
Protective case: Elegant rigid editorial case covered in burgundy fabric, opening type, designed to preserve the work.
Outer protective cardboard box: Original period box with the inscription "The Bible - Numered Edition".

Condition of the Work
Condition: Excellent / Pristine. The volumes are superbly preserved. Internal pages are fresh, clean, and without significant foxing or tears. Bindings are firm and the gold tooling is vivid and bright.
Cases: The inner cloth slipcase is in excellent condition. The external protective cardboard box shows normal and slight signs of age due to storage, essential to have protected the work over the last 50 years. (Please review the rich photo gallery that is an integral part of the description).
Note on gilding: As typical of prestige bindings hot-pressed with gold leaf (or gold alloy) of the period, the volumes may emit a light, tiny gold dust due to the natural aging of the original adhesive after more than 50 years. The decorations nevertheless remain vivid, bright, and legible.

Why Place an Offer?

The Bergamo-based Italian Institute of Graphic Arts editions are renowned worldwide for the quality of photolithography and artistic printing. Finding this specific edition, limited to only 200 copies worldwide, complete with both volumes, the protective slipcase, and the original box, is a purchase opportunity that is more unique than rare for collectors of sacred art and 20th-century rare editions.

A magnificent piece for display or investment, which will enrich any private library.

Shipping: Professional and exceptionally careful packing. Tracked and insured shipping with prompt delivery.