BODONI PRESS., ROSSI, GIOVANNI GHERARDO DE. 1754-1827.

Scherzi poetici e pittorici. Parma: Giambattista Bodoni, 1795.

ROSSI, GIOVANNI GHERARDO DE. 1754-1827. Scherzi poetici e pittorici. Parma: Giambattista Bodoni, 1795.
4to (298 x 214 mm). Engraved pictorial title and 38 (of 40) sepia-toned engraved plates by Francesco Rosaspina after Jose Teixeira Barreto, within decorative borders by Giacomo Mercoli. Contemporary autumn leaf calf, spine with 5 raised bands, marbled endpapers, edges gilt. Corners bumped, worming to spine, first several leaves slightly loose, lacking plates 2 (Amore e l'innocenza) and 34 (La Lusinga), scattered foxing and spotting.

FIRST EDITION. Comprised of 40 brief love poems accompanied by sepia-toned engravings that epitomize the neoclassical style, featuring the activities of Cupid among susceptible humans and allegorical figures. The elegant frames, featuring cameos, shafts of wheat, griffins, and many other motifs inspired by the art of Pompeii, are described by Brooks as "of extraordinary delicacy." One of Bodoni's most striking productions. Brooks 600; Graesse VI 169.