RICCI, Costanzo (d.1670). La maschera trionfante nel giudicio di Paride. [Bologna: Nicolo' Tebaldini, not before 10 March 1643].

RICCI, Costanzo (d.1670). La maschera trionfante nel giudicio di Paride. [Bologna: Nicolo' Tebaldini, not before 10 March 1643].

Rare, sumptuously-illustrated account of the Carnival festivities sponsored by the patrician Taddeo Barberini (1603–1647) in Bologna in February 1643, a publication dedicated to Cardinal Antonio Barberini (1607-1671). The subject of the lavishly-produced theatrical scenes, which according to Ricci relied on the involvement of all the noble families of the city, was the classical myth of the Judgement of Paris, and the scenes, reproduced by Ricci in verse and prose as well as through the engravings, included dramatic fires, sudden frost, large mythical beasts and heroic feats and triumphs. RBH/ABPC record no copy at auction since 1969; not in Berlin/Kat.

Quarto (219 x 160mm). Etched frontispiece possibly by Simone Cantarini, portrait of the dedicatee Cardinal Antonio Barberini, and 8 folding plates attributed to Elisabetta Sirani and Giovanbattista Coriolano (repaired tear in text border of F1). Early 20th-century calf-backed boards (upper joint splitting).

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