BUSUTTIL (Salvatore). - Lot 43

BUSUTTIL (Salvatore). Raccolta di Costumi Religiosi, e Civili della Corte Pontificia. Rome: Deodato Minelli, 1833-1837. - In-8, 233 x 164: title-frontispiece, 110 plates. Khaki green cloth, smooth spine, speckled edges (contemporary binding). Rare collection of 110 plates engraved by Salvatore Busuttil (1798-1854), depicting civil, military and ecclesiastical costumes at the court of Rome. They come from several different series and have been bound in no apparent order. Almost all bear Salvatore Busuttil's engraved signature and the date 1833, with the exception of a few unmarked ones and one bearing the date 1837. They have been delicately enhanced with watercolors by hand, and the colors are very fresh. This collection is hard to find, and always with a different number of plates. With 111 engravings, including the title, this is one of the most complete copies we've found, with others ranging from 50 to 105 plates. The plates are engraved on wove paper. Bound in the 1840s. Spine faded, some discoloration to boards, wear to covers and corners. Endpapers missing. The plates are in perfect condition.