Descrizione

Folio. (6), 133, (3) pp. With 19 (including frontispiece; 1 double-page-sized) coloured aquatints by or after Albrisetti, Bonatti, Bramati, Bottigelli, Bussi, Fumagalli, Gallina, Palagi, Raineri, and Sanquirico. Contemporary ruby-red morocco, elaborately gilt with giltstamped arms to both covers. Green moirée silk endpapers. Only edition. Of all of Gironi's publications, all of which are of a similar nature, the present work on ladies' ablutions and private habits in Greek antiquity as well as in modern Greece would appear to be the rarest. Illlustrated with particular care and printed in no more than eighty copies, it is dedicated to the 20-year-old Archduchess of Austria, Sophie (1805-72), daughter of the Bavarian King Maximilian I Joseph, later aunt and mother-in-law to Empress Elisabeth of Austria ("Sisi"). Our copy is that from the library of the Archduchess herself, printed on strong, very wide-margined wove paper and sumptuously bound. Slight foxing to endpapers and edges, otherwise in perfect condition. Sophie's monogram (her entwined, crowned initials) stamped to reverse of title. - Not in British Library, Atabey, Blackmer, Brunet, Cicognara, Colas, Graesse, Hiler, Lipperheide, or Rothschild.