Arnoldus Vinnius - Institutionum Imperialium Commentarius Academicus et Forensis - 1740-1744

Arnoldus Vinnius – Commentary on the Imperial Institutions Academic and Forensic – 1740/1744 – 2 volumes

Important eighteenth-century work of Roman law, in two volumes with antique bindings and decorated spines.
A valuable set of two volumes by Arnoldus Vinnius (1588–1657), one of the most authoritative Dutch jurists of the 17th century, dedicated to the commentary on Justinian’s Institutes, a fundamental text of the European legal tradition. The work, entitled In quatuor libros Institutionum Imperialium Commentarius Academicus et Forensis, presents an in-depth exposition of Roman law, with doctrinal observations, references to classical sources and applications to forensic practice.
Venetian edition from the eighteenth century, printed at the Balleoniana Typographia, with dates reported in the volumes as 1740 and 1744.
The Latin text is arranged predominantly in two columns and enriched with elegant historiated initials, ornamental borders, headpieces and tailpieces carved in wood. Especially interesting is the frontispiece of the first volume, printed in red and black, with an elaborate typographic border.
The content includes the commentary on the four books of the Imperial Institutes, explanatory notes, subject indexes and sections dedicated to selected legal questions.
Antique bindings, with decorated spines, titling and numbering of the volumes within ornamental elements. The set retains considerable antique charm and constitutes a testimony to the diffusion and study of Roman law in the eighteenth century.

Conditions of conservation

Fair/good conditions for the period, with signs of use and aging. The bindings show scuffing, abrasions, stains and wear at the margins, corners and spine ends. Small superficial defects and aging signs are visible. The pages show widespread but generally contained browning, foxing, sporadic stains and some dampish halos, more evident on certain papers. The text appears sharp and generally legible. Some marginal imperfections and signs of use compatible with the volumes’ age are present. It is recommended to examine carefully the photographs, which are an integral part of the description.

A lot of interest for antique-book collectors, scholars of Roman law, history of law and legal libraries.