[Rarebooks] FS: 1813 Guide to Pietre Dure Stonework in Sagrestia Vecchia, Florence

[Joslin Hall Rare Books]

TITLE:  “Descrizione della gran capella Delle Pietre Dure e della
Sagrestia Vecchia eretta da Filippo di ser Brunellesco situate ambedue
nell' Imp. Basilica di S. Lorenzo di Firenze”

By Domenico Moreni.
Published in Florence by Presso Carli e Comp. in 1813.

DISCUSSION: A description of the history and pietre dure decoration of the
Chapel of the Princes and the interior of the Sagresta Vecchia in
Florence. The fabulous 'Chapel', whose interior is decorated with the most
beautiful and intricate stone mosaic work, was begun by Grand Duke
Ferdinando I, who had also founded the famous Galleria delle Lavori at the
Uffizi. The Galleria quickly became the most important workshop in the
world for the production of the highest quality pietre dure, mosaic and
intarsia work in semi-precious stone. The Chapel itself was a massive
undertaking which took several generations to complete.

As Giusti writes in "Pietre Dure, Hardstone in Furniture and Decorations"
(1992)- "(A) great project left unrealized by Ferdinando's two
predecessors, the dynastic mausoleum at S. Lorenzo, was begun. This was to
take the grandiose and majestic form of a temple entirely sheathed in
pietre dure. The enormous scale of the work planned for this 'Chapel of
the Princes', and the intense activity of the manufactory, called for
great reserves of the most rare and varied stones. Indeed, Ferdinando
amassed such great quantities that they fed the Galleria for centuries
-and are not exhausted today". The other subject of this survey, the
Sagresta Vecchi, or Old Sacristy, is the oldest part of the present
Basilica of San Lorenzo (the "Duomo"), and contains the tombs of several
members of the Medici family.

A scarce book.

DESCRIPTION: Softcover. 6"x8.5", viii + 152 pages; 1 engraved plate; bound
in old period plain paper.

CONDITION NOTES: Covers with general wear, a little soil; contents with a
little soil and foxing. Housed in a new clamshell case.

PRICE:  $750 -

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