LOVISA, Domenico (c.a 1690 - c.a 1750) - [su disegni di Luca CARLEVARIIS (1663-1730) e altri] - Il Gran Teatro di Venezia ovvero raccolta delle principali vedute e pitture che in essa si contengono diviso in due tomi. [Venice: 1717].   A good copy of the first edition of this rare and valuable work dedicated to the views and architecture of Venice and its artistic treasures. The first part appeared around 1709 and was completed by the section dedicated to paintings in this definitive edition which will be followed by a second printed in 1720. The rich graphic apparatus is engraved for the most part by Andrea and Carlo Zucchi, Filippo Vasconi and Giuseppe Baroni, based on designs by Luca Carlevarijs and Giuseppe Valeriani. The work was conceived with a celebratory intent and among the main subscribers there were many Venetian patricians headed by Chancellor Giovanni Battista Nicolosi who wanted to publish a work to illustrate the wonders of the city of Venice and the paintings of the Doge's Palace. "Le stampe edite dal Lovisa si distinguono per una notevole vivacità realistica, specie nei raggruppamenti di macchiette, che hanno parte notevole nell'insieme e per una piacevole luminosità" Succi, p. 231.   2 parts in one volume, oblong folio (500 x 655mm). Title printed in red and black before each part, index of the work, 123 plates, 66 of "views" (two plates make up a single one) and 57 of "paintings", most of which are protected by tissue paper; some plates are numbered, although out of order, the copy corresponds to that of the Gettty - which is mistakenly catalogued as the 1720 edition, recognizable by the different index of the tables - sometimes the plate numbers are "mirrored" (last plate of the first part slightly trimmed at the outer margin, occasional light marginal dampstaining and soiling, light marginal foxing and some occasional creasing, the tissue papers lightly spotted). 18-century marbled boards backed in leather (worn, covers detached and heavy losses to spine). Provenance: sheflmark label on counterplate.

Estimate € 15,000 - 25,000