Italy - WINCKELMANN (J. J.). Monumenti antichi inediti spieg - Lot 237

Italy - WINCKELMANN (J. J.). Monumenti antichi inediti spiegati ed illustrati. Rome, Mordacchini, 1821. 2 vol. in-folio, cream vellum, ornate ribbed spines (period Italian binding). New edition of this highly sought-after work. It is illustrated with 4 title vignettes, 4 headline vignettes, 209 hors-texte plates, some double and, or, multi-subject, engraved on 139 leaves, as well as 9 large culs-de-lampe; all engraved in intaglio. Considered one of the leading theorists and exponents of neoclassicism, Winckelmann went to Rome, where he became Superintendent of Antiquities (1764) and was able to devote himself to the study of classical culture. Two years later, he published these two volumes on ancient monuments and the antiquities of Rome. (Brunet V, 1463.) A very fine copy in contemporary gilt vellum.