Bidspirit auction | Francesco Fanelli

Francesco Fanelli - Atene Attica - Francesco Fanelli, 1707. Published in 1707 in Venice by Antonio Bortoli. A very rare work of exceptional historical and archaeological interest about the city of Athens, focusing on the period from its origins to the famous conquest by Venetian forces commanded by Francesco Morosini in 1687. Written by Francesco Fanelli, the work features an enormous graphic and documentary apparatus, profusely ornamented with historiated headstones and initials engraved in woodcut, and enriched in the text with magnificent calligraphic illustrations of medals, ancient numismatics, and classical monuments. Of particular note is the extraordinary and highly coveted fold-out panoramic view (topographical and heraldic map/plan outside the text) with a scenic representation of Athens and the Acropolis. A copy bound in solid contemporary full leather (sheepskin) binding, with a five-rib spine richly decorated with floral motifs and gilt tooling on the boxes and a contrasting label. Marbled endpapers bearing the heraldic ex-libris and bibliographic pedigree of the celebrated library of J. G. Mazziotti Salema Garção, with a handwritten note from Auction No. 41 of Soares & Mendonça (Lot No. 1207). Very clean interior, in excellent condition with only the natural marginal oxidation of 18th-century paper.