Francisco Xaverio Dornn - Litanie Lauretane - ex libris...

Splendid and exceptional exemplar of the famous Lauretan Litanies by Francisco Xaverio Dornn, printed in Augsburg in 1771 (Editio Tertia) by Matthäus Rieger & Sons. The work is celebrated in the history of sacred art for its imposing and magnificent iconographic apparatus, entirely copper-engraved by the renowned Klauber brothers, among the most important German Baroque engravers of the 18th century. COMPLETE ABSOLUTENESS AND DISTINCTIVE ELEMENTS: Plates: The volume is strictly 100% complete with all of its 57 total copper engravings. It includes the iconic illustrated frontispiece and the 56 splendid plates within the text, characterized by extraordinary clarity and a wealth of allegorical detail. Pages: The textual apparatus counts 82 pages in total, preceded by the front matter and the ecclesiastical approvals of the era. NOBLE PRESTIGIOUS PROVENANCE: Within the front board there is a fascinating and exclusive engraved heraldic Ex Libris, belonging to the private library of the famous French family of the Marquis de Las Cases (a family historically linked to the Napoleonic saga). The shield clearly shows a diagonal band, the Marquess’s crown, and the well-known Latin motto “Semper Paratus.” Above the coat of arms you can glimpse a dating note and an old inked signature. CONDITION: Interior: In very good internal condition. The pages and the copper engravings are fresh, solid, and well bound. The paper retains excellent texture, with margins well preserved and ink sharply legible, remarkable for a text of over 250 years. Exterior: In generally good condition for its age. The volume presents in its solid and attractive period full leather binding. It shows the physiological and normal signs of time and use on the boards, edges, and spine, which do not at all compromise the strength of the structure, but attest to its authenticity and historic charm. The cut edges preserve the original red speckling. A sacred work of rare availability in these complete conditions, enriched by a noble pedigree that makes it a unique showpiece for collectors of antiquarian books, heraldry, and period engravings.

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