Sergio Samek Ludovici (analysis & commentary) / Anonymous (illustrations) - Apokalypse der Sammlung Este - 1972-1972

Apokalypse der Sammlung Este – Sergio Samek Ludovici (analysis & commentary) / Anonymous (illustrations)

Parma / Milano: Franco Maria Ricci editore / Genf [Geneva]: Weber, 1972. 193 pages. Folio (35cm x 23cm). Hardcover with the publisher's original black silk over thick boards, featuring brilliant pure gold leaf lettering impressed to the spine and front panel, a beautiful color plate tipped onto the front cover, and patterned endpapers. Comes with the original black cardboard slip case. Printed on premium, pastel-blue mould-made laid paper custom manufactured by the historic Cartiere Miliani in Fabriano. Text in German and Latin, set in Bodoni typeface. First German edition of this spectacular volume from Franco Maria Ricci's celebrated "I Segni dell'Uomo" series (this is volume 5) offering a full reproduction of the rare, 15th-century blockbook (Xylographic Apocalypse) from the Este Collection. Limited and numbered edition, this is No. 513 out of 1,000 copies issued, signed by Franco Maria Ricci in the colophon. Lavishly illustrated throughout, capturing the full 48 leaves and 92 historical woodcut scenes of the Modena text in high-fidelity tipped-in color plates. Originating in the Netherlands toward the mid-15th century, the Modena Apocalypse is widely considered by scholars to be one of the rarest and most important xylographic books in human history. The stunning illustrations are accompanied by an extensive art-historical analysis by Sergio Samek Ludovici.
Some rubbing, bumping, and wear to the slipcase. Very little rubbing, bumping and wear to the silk covered boards and spine. Some tanning to the spine. The interior is fresh and clean. The text is clear, the tipped-in illustration plates are vibrant and in excellent condition, the paper is crisp, and the binding is solid. Overall, a beautiful copy in very good condition.