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Wannenes Art Auctions
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[MALTA – SIENA]. A letter written from Rome… on the occasion…
See original version (Italian)
21
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[MALTA – SIENA]. A letter written from Rome… on the occasion…
See original version (Italian)
Estimate €300 - €500
Voluntary lot
Description
[MALTA – SIENA]. A letter written from Rome… on the occasion of the glorious elevation of His Eminence Marcantonio Zondadari to the Grand Magistry of the Order of the Knights Hospitaller. Rome: Tinassi, 1720.
An eighteenth-century celebratory account describing the festivities held in Siena to mark the election of Marc’Antonio Zondadari as Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller. Zondadari belonged to an ancient Sienese family and was the great-grandnephew of Pope Alexander VII. Educated in Parma and Naples with the intention of joining the Order of Malta, he embarked upon a rapid career that led to his command of a galley and the award of three commanderies. In 1701 he became Chamberlain to Grand Master Ramon Perellos y Roccaful; placed in command of the Maltese navy, he effectively reorganised its structures and finances, receiving the Grand Cross and, in 1712, the appointment as ambassador to Pope Clement XI. Elected Grand Master in 1720, he restored discipline within the Order, strengthened the fortifications, promoted trade and reorganised the island’s defensive system. Upon his death in 1722, he was buried in St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, in a monument by Massimiliano Soldani Benzi, whilst his heart was transferred to Siena.
Letter written from Rome to Mr Francesco Piccolomini in Siena describing the solemn festivities celebrated by the illustrious Sienese nation to mark the glorious elevation of His Eminence Marcantonio Zondadari to the Grand Magistry of the Order of St John of Jerusalem. Rome: Tinassi, 1720. 4to (220 × 160 mm). Engraved frontispiece portrait of Zondadari, plate depicting the triumphal arch erected for the occasion, papal vignette on the title page, coat of arms and four large half-page vignettes (light but widespread water-staining). Contemporary full vellum, handwritten title on the spine (covers warped). (1)
See original version (Italian)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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