Comte de Gobineau - La Renaissance. Savonarole, César Borgia, Jules II, Léon X, Michel-Ange [reliure signée Desbled] - 1877

Count de Gobineau The Renaissance. Savonarola, Cesare Borgia, Julius II, Leo X, Michelangelo. Historical scenes. Paris, Plon, 1877, 539 pp.

An octavo volume (200x140 mm), half red morocco with long grain, spine with raised bands, gilt top (binding of the period signed Desbled). Very good condition of the binding. Light, scattered foxing. Covers and spine preserved.

Original edition

Gobineau selects five emblematic figures of Renaissance Italy and builds around them dramatic scenes inspired by history. Savonarola and the Florence of the late 15th century, Cesare Borgia and the political struggles of central Italy, then the popes Julius II and Leo X, the Medici and the great artists of their time form the main frames of the narrative. Michelangelo occupies, in particular, an important place in this evocation of an Italy where political rivalries, papal power, wars, court intrigues and artistic flourishing mingle.