DANTE ALIGHIERI (1265-1321) - La Commedia. Brescia: Bonino Bonini, 31 maggio 1487.   One of the most important editions of the Comedy of the 15th century and a masterpiece of Brescian typography: it is the first time in which both Hell and Purgatory are fully illustrated. The first woodcuts in the work are inspired by the famous Florentine publication of 1481 with the 19 engravings by Botticelli; the others have an original composition and will subsequently be used in the various latter editions and in many Venetian prints of the 1490s. The woodcuts are framed by fascinating grotesques on a black background depicting masks, vases, candlesticks, plants, dolphins and other imaginative illustrations. The text is surrounded by the dense commentary by Cristoforo Landino (1424-1498) first published in the 1481 edition; Landino was a Florentine humanist and teacher of Poliziano and Marsilio Ficino. The Croatian typographer Bonino Bonini (1454-1528) published an edition of Lactantius in Venice in 1475, then settled in Brescia in 1483 where he produced about forty books, before moving to Lyon and continuing his activity as a bookseller and publisher. As an informant of the Republic of Venice, he undertook numerous journeys between France and the Serenissima and when, in 1499, he was ordained a priest, he returned to Veneto, in Treviso, where he collaborated to the inventory of the assets of the scholar Giovanni Augusto Augurello.   Folio (327 x 225mm). 68 large woodcut illustrations, 67 full-page and 8 repeated, a large woodcut at h8r in the twelfth canto of the Inferno, printer's device at the end, a few woodcuts lightly coloured at the time, at 2e8 a manuscript addition of a final verse "trovai pur sei le lettere; che incise quel delle chiavi a me soura le tempie: A che guardando il mio duca sorrise".   Late 18th-early-19th century half leather over orange boards, spine decorated in gilt with gilt author on dark label, later? marbled edges (modern endpapers, some rubbing, light worming and general wear). Provenance: a few marginalia by different hands.   The copy presents several issues, at least 3 facsimile leaves and others that could be from another copy: for a detailed condition report, please contact the department.   The lot is accompanied by a export license.

Estimate € 5,000 - 8,000

Sold € 8,000