ALDROVANDI, Ulisse (1522-1605) - De animalibus insectis libri septem. Cum singulorum iconibus ad vivum expressis. Bologna: Clemente Ferroni, 1638.   A good copy in contemporary binding of Aldrovandi's entomological work, the only zoological one, together with the one dedicated to ornithology, completed and published by the author during his lifetime in 1602. This is the third edition, whose printing date is also confirmed at the colophon. The work is full of detailed woodcuts depicting insects and marine animals and responds to the typically encyclopedic taste of the author, whom includes many quotations from classical authors and medieval bestiaries. "The first work of literature dealing with insects, thus finally establishing entomology, and especially systematic entomology, as a science" (Smith, History of Entomology, p. 85).   Folio (348 x 233mm). Title engraved by Andrea Salmincio with arms of the dedicatee Francesco Maria II della Rovere, printer's device on colophon, approximately 700 woodcut illustrations, woodcut headpieces and initials, text in Latin, Greek and Hebrew characters (without blank ✝⁶ often missing, engraved title lightly cropped, tiny stains at 3B4v and stain at 3I1, small marginal wormholes to final two leaves, occasional light foxing and browning). Contemporary or slightly later vellum, gilt title on spine (tiny stains, some tiny wormholes, very light rubbing). Provenance: "in omnibus requiem quaesivi et nusquam inveni nisi in angulo cum libro" (bookplate on endpaper) - V.A. (private stamp on endpaper).

Estimate € 900 - 1,200

Sold € 900