[CANALETTO] - VISENTINI, Antonio (1688-1782) da Giovanni Antonio CANAL (1697-1768, detto 'Il Canaletto') - Urbis Venetiarum prospectus celebriores. Venice: Giovanni Battista Pasquale, 1742-51.   An excellent copy with the first part dated 1742 and the second and third 1751; the second part with the "balestra" watermarks and the countermark Z.   The renowned work by Visentini "had a fundamental importance both for the international promotion of Canaletto, and for the absolute novelty represented by the layout of the images whose sequence marks a turning point in the way of looking at the city for the first time rendered in its dynamic unfolding" (from the exhibition catalogue of the Carigo Foundation). The views follow a magical itinerary through the Grand Canal, from Rialto to the basin of San Marco, unfolding in the 38 magnificent views.   The first edition, composed of only 14 views, title and frontispiece, was published in 1735 probably for private circulation: only a very few copies have survived to this day. The initiative was by Joseph Smith (1682-1770), who later became British consul in Venice; it is now well established that there was an agreement between Canaletto and Smith to spread the artist's views to the English market by creating a sort of "sample book" to make them known across the Channel. In 1742 Smith entrusted his partner, the publisher Pasquali, to publish what is considered to be the first complete edition; in this edition Visentini concentrated on trying to obtain better lighting effects and improving the effects of the water; the plates are of even better quality probably also thanks to the direct involvement of Canaletto himself. The two portraits were also redone. This first complete edition was followed by two other practically identical editions: the one from 1751, which differs only in the new date placed on the titles, and the one from 1754, the last edited by Pasquali.   There are also copies of the subsequent editions that contain plates from the first edition: Smith did not feel like destroying the unused copper plates from the first edition, or maybe some collectors, who already owned the first edition, decided to complete the work purchased later by inserting the plates from the "pars prima" of 1735. Two copies of this type are preserved in the Correr Museum, one with the date of 1742 and the other of 1751.   3 parts in one volume, oblong folio (362 x 505mm). Titles in red and black with engraved device for each part illustrating Minerva with a shield and a book with the motto: "Litterarum felicitas", engraved prospectus dated MDCCXLII, portraits of Canaletto and Visentini in second state with engraved titled "Ex monochromate Io. Bapt. Piazzetta, Ant. Visintini Inv. Del. e Sculp.", index and respectively XIV, 12 and XII plates for each part for a total of 38. First part with armorial crowned lily and countermark "IV"; second part with "balestra" and the countermark "Z"; third part with "AS" and "IV" to some plates (very light halo on title to left of printer's device, some light foxing and minimal browning, a few small marginal tears sometimes repaired). Contemporary half calf over marbled paper boards (some rubbing, minor wear, browning, modern endpapers). Provenance: Il Poliflo (label) - Guido Rossi (small round bookplate).

Estimate € 7,000 - 10,000