Girolamo Asquini (1762–1837) [archéologue et érudit] - 24 pages Correspondance savante signée de Girolamo Asquini et Giovanni Jacopo Dionisi - 1784

Presentation of the lot

Two exceptional autograph manuscripts by the Venetian scholar Girolamo Asquini (1762–1837), addressed to his colleague and friend Giovanni Jacopo Dionisi (1724–1808), a philologist and antiquarian from Verona. These documents constitute a rare intellectual diptych, illustrating the archaeological and epigraphic debates of the Enlightenment in Italy.

Girolamo Asquini (1762 – 1837)

Archaeologist and Friulian scholar, honorary professor at Parma. He dedicated himself to epigraphy and antiquities of Friuli, advocating bold theories about the Forum Iulii and showing interest in local languages. Member of several learned academies.

Giovanni Jacopo Dionisi (1724 – 1808)

Marquis Veronais, canon and antiquarian. Curator of the Biblioteca capitolare of Verona, he cataloged valuable manuscripts and conducted research in philology, diplomatics, and numismatics. A central figure in 18th-century Italian scholarship.

1. Autograph letter (Jagogna, November 12, 1785)

Format: 4 handwritten pages signed

Asquini reports the discovery of an unprecedented votive altar in Friuli, which he describes as 'the most beautiful monument of its kind in the world.'

Detailed epigraphic analysis of the mysterious inscription 'VODON SACRUM TOITRIG EREIGM OLVSI,' linked to Germanic deities (Wodon/Odin, Thor, Frico) through exegesis based on Paul Diacre and Adam of Bremen.

Importance: A key document in the history of epigraphy, demonstrating the intellectual method and scholarly networks of the 18th century.

2. Academic draft response (Verona, January 21, 1784)

Format: 18 pages handwritten 'bi-folios cousus'

Content: Complete draft of an original academic letter (or article) addressed to Dionisi, with a marginal note mentioning 'Rodini'.

Iconographic and epigraphic study of a primitive Christian stele or altar from Verona. Asquini deconstructs the central figure of a priest, the complex iconography (finger gestures, sacred volume, offerings, palm tree), and discusses the authenticity of certain elements (notably a small cross identified as a later addition).

References: Confrontation with the views of Filippo Buonarroti, illustrating debates on early Christian art in Veneto.

Importance: A rare document detailing controversies in early Christian art and scholarly critique in the 18th century.

Complementarity of the parts

1784: Iconographic analysis and early Christian critique (Verona)

1785: Discovery and interpretation of a pagan votive altar (Friuli)

These two manuscripts form a coherent set, revealing the double facet of Asquini's scholarship: on one hand, the critical study of early Christian art, and on the other, the exegesis of pagan monuments. They illustrate the richness of scholarly exchanges between Italian antiquarians and the development of a modern archaeological method.

Interest for collectors

Authenticity: Signed and dated autograph manuscripts.

Rarity: Unpublished documents, direct witnesses to the scholarly debates of the 18th century

Scientific value: Primary sources for the history of archaeology, epigraphy, and early Christian art.

Provenance: Correspondence between two major figures of Italian scholarship.

Condition of preservation

Paper and ink from the period, readability intact.

Handcrafted binding for drafts (sewn bi-folds).

Age-appropriate signs of use, without impairing readability.

Conclusion

A unique intellectual diptych comprising two major pieces from the correspondence between Asquini and Dionisi. Together, they offer a rare window into the archaeological and philological debates of the Enlightenment Century in Italy, and constitute a lot of great value for collectors and specialized institutions.