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PIUS XI (1857–1939). Saint Charles Borromeo and the Spiritua…
See original version (Italian)
144
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PIUS XI (1857–1939). Saint Charles Borromeo and the Spiritua…
See original version (Italian)
Estimate €300 - €500
Voluntary lot
Description
PIUS XI (1857–1939). Saint Charles Borromeo and the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius. Paris: Spes, 1930. With a signed autograph letter concerning Leonardo da Vinci and the Codex Atlanticus.
An interesting copy, enriched by an autograph letter signed by Achille Ratti, the future Pope Pius XI, then Prefect of the Biblioteca Ambrosiana, in which the future pontiff discusses art-historical questions concerning Leonardo da Vinci and the Codex Atlanticus. Dated Milan, Biblioteca Ambrosiana, 22 February 1913, the letter provides detailed answers to questions from an unidentified scholar regarding the illustrations in a manuscript, discussing their colours, figures, style and quality of execution, and comparing them directly with Leonardo’s drawings preserved in the Codex Atlanticus. The letter thus offers an interesting insight into Ratti’s work as a librarian and scholar prior to his election as Pope: having served as Prefect of the Ambrosiana since 1907, he would become Pope Pius XI in 1922. Of particular interest is his direct involvement in the study and consultation of the Codex Atlanticus, one of the most important collections of Leonardo’s manuscripts and drawings, held at the Biblioteca Ambrosiana.
8vo (180 × 110 mm). Includes an autograph letter signed ‘A. Ratti, Prefetto’, dated Milan, Biblioteca Ambrosiana, 22 February 1913, bound into the volume. Contemporary binding with a leather spine. Provenance: Haldenwac (ex-libris). (1)
See original version (Italian)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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