Estimate € 500 - 800
Auction: 25 January 2022 at 15:00
MERCURIALIS, Girolamo (1530-1606) - De Arte Gymnastica. Venice: Giunti, 1573 - [LEGATO CON:] - MIZAULD, Antoine (ca.1510-1578). Planetologia, rebus astronomicis, medicis, et philosophicis erudite referta. Lione: Mathias Bonhomme, 1551. Second edition but the first illustrated of this work dedicated to gymnastics by Mercuriale. The parts dedicated to boxing, wrestling and rope climbing are particularly fascinating. "One of the earliest books to discuss the therapeutic value of gymnastics and sports generally for the cure of disease and disability, and an important study of gymnastics in the ancient world" (Garrison-Morton, p.310). The work is bound with a medical-astronomical treatise by cosmographer Mizauld, Professor of medicine in Paris, in which each planet is described from a medical perspective. The latter is in its first edition and it is difficult to be found on the market. 2 works in one volume, 4to (236 x 164mm). Text in Greek and Latin, printer's device on titles and at the end of first work. First work with 24 woodcuts by Pirro Ligorio after drawings by Cristoforo Coriolani, some full-page, woodcut initials, leaves D5, D6 bound after pp. 72 as annotated by an ancient owner on p. 54 (lower inner corner of first leaves stained and repaired, some occasional browning, staining and spotting, light sporadic marginal worming). Second work with historiated woodcut initials and with final blank (a little browned, final text leaf with small repair in the upper corner). 18th-century vellum, manuscript title on spine, red speckled edges (light staining and small wormholes). Provenance: early ownership inscription on title.
Estimate € 500 - 800