[POST-INCUNABLE] M. Fabius Quintilianus - M. Fabii Quintiliani Institutionum Oratoria + Oratoris Eloquentissimi Declamationes Undeuiginti - 1538

DESCRIPTION: I present to you in an auction an extraordinary Renaissance volume printed in Paris in 1538, which gathers two fundamental works by Marcus Fabius Quintilianus, the great master of classical rhetoric. Both printed by the renowned publisher and printer Gervais Chevallon, one of the key figures of 16th-century Parisian humanism.

The volume contains:

+ “M. Fabii Quintiliani Oratoris Eloquentissimi — Declamationes” (1538)

M. Fabius Quintilianus, the most eloquent orator — Twelve Books of Rhetorical Institutions (1538)

Each work retains its original cover, both featuring the magnificent heraldic emblem of Chevallon, flanked by unicorns and rich decorative vines, a woodcut print with immense visual impact.

One of the most striking aspects of the specimen is the exceptional abundance of woodcut initial letters. We are faced with dozens, even hundreds, of decorated initials, many of which are historiated:

- Human figures, children, and allegories
Meticulous plant decoration
Renaissance-style moldings with high detail
Clean woodcut blocks, well printed, and of exceptional clarity.

These initials turn the book into a true display of 16th-century printing art.

The book is bound in a single volume, with an old, sturdy, and decorative binding, which further enhances its rarity and appeal as a collectible piece.

We are undoubtedly looking at a museum piece, a bibliographic jewel almost impossible to find on the current market, especially in this condition and with both titles gathered and in folio.

Ideal for collectors of 16th-century prints, enthusiasts of Renaissance humanism, scholars of classical rhetoric, or fans of ancient typography and woodcut printing.

A living testimony in FOLIO of nearly 500 years of history that will not appear easily again. Don't let it slip away.

Year of publication: Paris (France) 1538

LANGUAGE: Latin (Original Version)

SIZE AND PAGINATION: Dimensions: 35 x 24 cm. Pagination: INSTITUTIONUM: Cover + [14 pages] + 128 folios (256 pages); DECLAMATIONES: Cover + 50 folios (100 pages). COMPLETE WORKS OF QUINTILIAN.

STATE: 19th-century half leather binding, in very good overall condition as shown in the photos. Flat spine decorated with gold lettering and motifs. The interior is also in good condition, as shown in the photos. Most pages are clean and fresh or have marginal flaws that do not affect the text. Pages 20, 21, 23, and 27-28 of the declamations have a small moisture stain in the lower right corner that minimally affects the text (8-10 words), but it does not impact the quality of the ink at any point. A very good copy.

Monumental specimen in folio size. Very rare on the market. Don't let it slip away.