VASI, Giuseppe (1710-1782) - Delle magnificenze di Roma antica e moderna. Rome: Chracas, 1747-1761.   First two volumes only of the monumental work by Vasi, one of the most celebrated engravers and vedutisti of 18th-century Rome, capturing the magnificence and vibrancy of the eternal city. Vasi's engravings are not only artistically splendid but also extremely detailed and accurate, offering a faithful representation of the architecture and urban layout of Rome during the 18th-century. Furthermore, many of the views depicted by Vasi show glimpses of the city that have changed or disappeared over time, making the collection not only a work of art but also a valuable historical testimony. The first two volumes presented here concern, respectively, the gates and walls of Rome and the city's squares.   First 2 tomes (of 10) only in one volume, oblong folio (259 x 375mm). Title of first volume with woodcut decoration, engraved frontispiece in first volume also repeated in second, 20 engraved plates in first volume and 21 in the second, numerous engraved illustrations in the text (lacking text in first volume and probably the leaf with the sonnet "Per la nascita del Regio Infante D. Filippo.." in the second, waterstaining, browning, some spotting, and foxing). Contemporary half-calf, marbled paper covers (lacking spine, significant losses to covers, leaves almost entirely detached). Provenance: L. E. (contemporary ownership inscription on title) - British library deaccession stamp on title's verso. The work is sold as a collection of plates and is sold not subject to return.

Estimate € 800 - 1,200