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an open book with a drawing of a bird on itan old book with a bird on top of itan old book with a drawing of two birds on it
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820 - Calligraphy Manuals – Zoology
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Estimate €2,000 - €2,400
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Description
Calligraphy Manuals – Zoology Giarré, Gaetano An alphabet of initial letters adorned with animals, followed by a loose series of characters. With 25 engraved copper plates. (Including title page). Florence, Giacomo Moro 1797. Late 19th-century half-linen binding with marbled covers and endpapers (minimally bumped, spine label with losses, inner joints reinforced, binding firm). Bonacini, 672. – Choix 14928. – Practice of Letters, 136. – Calligraphy Manuals, Berlin, 5225. – This work ranks among the most significant calligraphic works of the late 18th century. It is an outstanding example of the Neoclassical style and stands out for its innovative design and decorative motifs. The plates depict initial letters (capital letters) of the alphabet, richly decorated with animals, flowers, tendrils, arabesque ornaments, vases, trophies, masks and numerous zoological motifs, as well as other decorative elements. As well as Roman letters, the work also includes examples of Greek and Hebrew characters, which lend it an international flavour and draw on the tradition of calligraphers’ manuals. Among the most frequently depicted motifs are birds, including peacocks, swans, parrots and songbirds, which are often perched on flowering vines or in trees. Other typical animals include lions, stags, hares, goats and rams – usually depicted in graceful poses or arranged in small hunting scenes. Exotic animals such as elephants and camels, as well as smaller creatures such as lizards and butterflies, are also featured, partly as marginal decoration and partly as elements of the initials. Fish, frogs and other aquatic creatures appear in frame motifs, often combined with aquatic plants. Alongside the animals mentioned, imaginary and mythical creatures, such as griffins or dragons, also blend harmoniously into the overall work of art. These zoological motifs make the work of interest not only to calligraphers and typographers, but also to enthusiasts of late 18th-century natural history illustration. These zoological motifs make the work of interest not only to calligraphers and typographers, but also to enthusiasts of late 18th-century natural history illustration. The naturalistic attention to detail in the motifs is rare in historical illustration and makes the book relevant to the history of natural history illustration as well as to the iconography of animals in art. - Ex-libris: the penultimate plate has been supplemented and brought into line with the format of the other plates – which have very wide margins – by means of a passe-partout frame; one repaired tear to the edge; the title page and 5 plates are slightly browned or have foxing; otherwise largely fresh and a good copy. With 25 engraved plates (including the title page; minimal wear, spine label with missing parts, inner joints reinforced, binding firm). Half-cloth binding from the late 19th century. – The work is one of the most important calligraphic works of the late 18th century. It is an outstanding example of the neoclassical style and stood out for its innovative design and decorative motifs. The plates depict initial letters (capital letters) of the alphabet, richly decorated with animals, flowers, vines, arabesque ornaments, vases, trophies, masks, and numerous zoological motifs and other decorative elements. In addition to Roman letters, examples of Greek and Hebrew characters are also included, which lends the work an international character and draws on the tradition of master writing books. Among the most frequently depicted motifs are birds, including peacocks, swans, parrots and songbirds, often perched on flowering vines or in trees. Other typical animals include lions, deer, hares, goats and rams – mostly arranged in graceful poses or in small hunting scenes. Exotic animals such as elephants and camels, as well as smaller animals such as lizards and butterflies, are also featured, partly as border decorations and partly as part of the initials. Fish, frogs and other aquatic creatures appear in frame motifs, often combined with aquatic plants. In addition to the animals mentioned, imaginary and mythical creatures such as griffins and dragons also blend harmoniously into the overall work of art. These zoological motifs make the work of interest not only to calligraphers and typographers, but also to enthusiasts of late 18th-century natural history illustration. The naturalistic detail of the motifs is rare in historical illustration and makes the book significant for the history of natural history illustration and the iconography of animals in art. - Ex libris, penultimate plate supplemented and brought into line with the format of the other plates—with very wide margins—by means of a passe-partout frame; one repaired tear in the margin; title page and 5 plates slightly browned or foxed; otherwise largely fresh and a good copy. This lot is subject to standard tax. A 24.95% buyer’s premium is payable on the hammer price, and 7% (Books and Art) or 19% VAT (Manuscripts, Screenprints, Offset Prints, Photographs) is payable on the final invoice amount within the European Union. This lot is subject to the standard margin scheme. A 24.95% buyer’s premium applies to the hammer price, and 7% (books and art) or 19% VAT (manuscripts, screen prints, offset prints and photographs) applies to the final invoice amount within the European Union.
See original version (German)
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About the sale Valuable books, prints, historical photographs
Auction location
Auction time 10/24/2026 at 10:00 AM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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