Author: BOSIO Antonio - Paolo ARINGHI (translator) :
Title: Roma subterranea novissima.
Description: Rome, Vitale Mascardi for Blasio Diversini & Zanobio Masotti, 1651, large folio. 2 vols; 2 pp + [14] + 626 + [29] pp. ; 2 pp + [6] + 718 + [24] pp., Engraved title, 1 double engraved plate, 91 full-page engraved text illustrations ; engraved title, 6 double engraved plates of which 1 is folding , 125 full-page engraved text illustrations; title in red and black, each with large engraved vignette, numerous woodcut text illustrations, head- and tail-pieces, some of printer's fleurons and some woodcut, decorative woodcut initials. Contemporary leather, backs gilt, large gilt ornament on front covers (rebacked, original backstrips laid down, corners and headcaps mended). First edition in Latin, translated and edited by Paolo Aringhi, under whose name it is sometimes catalogued. Bosio (1576-1629), "father of Christian archaeology", spent nearly his whole life exploring the catacombs of Rome. Three years after his death, the present work, in Italian, was first published under the patronage of the Knights of Malta. It is profusely illustrated with depictions of Roman tombs, coffins, and catacombs, as well as their mural and mosaic decorations, many of which have since deteriorated or been destroyed. The plates are identical with those of the 1632 edition. Fine copy of this monumental work, with numerous detailed illustrations. Berlin Cat. 1859 (under Aringhi); Cicognara 3634 (1632 ed.) & 3585 (this ed. under Aringhi). .

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