Magnificent Views of Venice, Italy

"Das Malerische, Monumentale, Historische und Artistische Venedig. Eine Darstellung Seiner Haupt-Ansichten und Alten Gebrauche…",

One of the most beautiful collections of views of the 19th century, this complete book features 60 original hand-colored lithographic plates drawn by Marco Moro and J. Rebellato. Each plate is accompanied by explanatory and descriptive text in German by native Venetian Francesco Zanotto, who wrote a number of illustrated works on art history. This work features 36 views of Venice and its islands, all drawn by Marco Moro, including views of Piazza San Marco, Piazetta, the Doge's Palace, the Rialto bridge, Riva degli Schiavoni, the Arsenal, San Zaccaria, Hotel Europa, Palazzo Foscari, Palazzo Grassi, Palazzo Ca' d'Oro, Palazzo Vendramin-Calergi, San Giorgio Maggiore, the Redentore Church on Giudecca Island, San Michele di Murano, and Torcello Island, among others. There are also 18 plates by J. Rebellato of Venetians in full costume, such as the Doge and Dogaressa (Duke and Duchess) of Venice, an Admiral, a middleclass man, and a gondolier. The final four plates in the book, all by Marco Moro, depict the Venetian festivals of the Regatta, the "Marriage with the Sea," "Fat Thursday" (Carnevale), and Herculean displays of strength. The title page indicates the date of publishing as 1857, yet individual plates are dated between 1856-1859. Although the list of plates at the back mentions a panoramic bird's eye view of the city of Venice, this view is not included, as it was issued after the publication of the book, and there is only one copy in which this panorama is known to exist. Published by Johann Brizeghel. Half-bound in red calf over brown cloth-covered boards with raised bands and embossed gilt titling on spine, and marbled endpapers.

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Condition: B+

Superb original color, with plates ranging in condition from near fine to very good. Light scattered foxing throughout, although primarily confined to text pages and blank margins of plates. There are faint damp stains also confined to blank margins. One text page has a tear in top blank margin. Covers are stained and lightly worn, with bumped corners. Spine is worn and has been reattached in places with a chip at bottom.