Giovanni Maria Velmazio - [Édition Vénitienne] - Ioannis Mariæ Velmatii - 1538

VELMAZIO (Giovanni-Maria)

Ioannes Mariæ Velmatii Sacrae Theologiae professor and most learned poet, the singular work of the Old and New Testament.

Venice, s.n., 1538.

1 volume in-4 (20.5 x 19.5 cm), brown morocco calf antique marbled (XVIIIth century binding), spine with raised bands and grotesque compartments, title piece in green morocco, red edges, [8]-9 to 203-[1] leaves (WC: 3031041). Facsimile engraving of leaf a8, very light wear, very rare foxing. Fine condition.

First edition of this neo-Latin poem inspired by events of the Old and New Testament. It contains several references to classical mythology.

Illustrated edition with a historiated frontispiece and 11 wood-cut engravings, including one full-page. The engraving on leaf P depicts Ovid and Virgil.

A superb example of a Venetian illustrated book of the XVIth century, printed in a very beautiful Italian type and adorned with original high-quality illustrations, though the artist remains unknown.

Giovanni Maria Velmazio, Franciscan friar, professor of theology and poet, was born at Bagnacavallo, near Ferrara.

Rare copy.