DEL TEATRO
In Venezia: Giambatista Pasquali, 1773. First Edition, thus (with these plates). 4to, pp. viii, 100. Engraved title page and six folding engraved architectural plates. Bound in modern cloth-backed boards, printed spine label. Some minor foxing, soiling, light dampstain. A very good tight copy. Berlin Katalog 2793; Boroni, "Il Cicognara 10685; cf. also Fowler 196 (1794 edition with restrikes of these plates); Schlosser 683; not in Avery. Item #42694
Milizia (1725-1798) was an Italian architectural writer who was the manager of the buildings of the king of Naples for 25 years. Having been suppressed by the papal censors. Milizia's survey of the history of theatre and spectacle concludes with a detailed description of the principal European theatres, including the theatre in St. Petersburg. He also discusses the project for a new, ideal theatre by Vincenzo Ferrarese, making a plea for a theatre 'all antica', with a circular, domed auditorium. He uses the occasion to criticise the Romans for their negligent treatment of their classical heritage, leaving the Theatre of Marcellus to decay. The first edition (1771) was quickly suppressed by the censors and this second edition was somewhat edited to avoid trouble. It wasn't until the third edition (1794) that the author's name appeared on the title-page.
Price: $1,700.00 save 20% $1,360.00