Mattioli | Commentarii in VI libros Pedacii Dioscoridis Anazarbei de medica materia, 1583, 2 volumes

MATTIOLI, PIETRO ANDREA
Commentarii in VI libros Pedacii Dioscoridis Anazarbei de medica materia. Venice: Felice Valgrisi, 1583

2 volumes, folio (330 x 226mm.), woodcut printer’s device on titles and final verso, woodcut initials, full-page hand-coloured portrait of the author, numerous woodcut illustrations of plants, flowers, and animals (some hand-coloured), MS index of English names at end, contemporary red morocco, new endpapers, some occasional soiling, a few leaves trimmed or wormed, vol.1 title strengthened, vol.2 ff5 worn with loss, a few leaves in vol.2 possibly supplied (e.g.l2, n7, s6), binding rebacked

Mattioli’s commentary on Dioscorides was first published in Italian in 1544 (unillustrated) and in Latin in 1554. The Latin edition was much expanded, with new information on herbs and plants and synonyms in other languages supplied by Mattioli. The large woodcuts of animals and plants, by Giorgio Liberale and Wolfgang Meyerpeck, first appeared in the New Kreüterbuch of 1563 and the Commentarii of 1565 respectively. This is the seventh Latin edition printed by Valgrisi.

LITERATURE:
Censimento 16 CNC 35759; A Cleveland Herbal 124; Hunt 145

PROVENANCE:
J. Henry Middleton and Edward Walker, ownership inscriptions

Condition Report:
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE.