Don Antonio Lucidi - Santa Casa di Maria Vergine Venerata di Loreto - 1780

LUCIDI, DON ANTONIO. — NOTICES OF THE HOLY HOUSE OF MARY, VENERATED VIRGIN IN LORETO (LORETO, SARTORI PRESS, c. 1770-1785, EN PAPIER DOMINOTÉ FROM THAT PERIOD WITH FOLDED PLATES).
Loreto: Federico Sartori's Workshop, [1780].
In-12. Paperback with period dominoté paper.

Precious original edition printed on site in Loretto by the office of Federico Sartori, official printer-engraver of the sanctuary.
Iconic guide intended for Grand Tour travelers and pilgrims crossing Italy in the 18th century, the work gathers sacred history compiled by Don Antonio Lucidi (custodian of the Santa Casa), the description of Renaissance embellishments (Bramante marble inlay), the precious catalog of the Treasures’ precious gifts, and a complete road itinerary indicating postal stages.

This copy is distinguished by its complete engraved illustration of the Loretan monuments and by its appealing original dominoté cover.

A copy of great authenticity, preserved in its period waiting cover in artisanal dominoté paper. 18th-century dominoté paper well preserved with its original colors (green, pink and brown on chevron patterns). Fronts toned with light nicks, creases, and customary marginal wear marks for a travel book. Original stitching and binding weakened. Soft and clean laid paper, well complete with its folding architectural plates (facade of the basilica, plan of the sanctuary) and the in-text engraving of the Madonna of Loreto.

Visiting Loreto in the 18th century was a must for European elites, from Montaigne to Casanova. To satisfy visitors’ demand, merchants and printers based at the foot of the basilica issued these small guides sold immediately bound under hand-painted papers called dominoté papers.