
Description
Lettere di diversi eccellentiss. hvomini : raccolte da diversi libri : tra le qvali se ne leggono molte, non piv stampate : con gli argomenti per ciascvna delle materie, di che elle trattano : e nel fine annotationi e tauole delle cose piu notabili a utile de gli studiosi
Venice, Gabriel Giolito de' Ferrari; 1559
Octavo : 4 1/4 by 6 1/3"
488, [16] pages.
Giolito device (phoenix atop flaming orb) on title page;
alternate device (phoenix facing the sun) on colophon page.
Woodcut initials and ornaments throughout.
Bound in full limp vellum, worn.
Text block sound and generally in very good condition, with few stains.
Early ownership inscription in ink in upper margin of title page.
Notation in early hand on rear blank, later notes on last two text pages.
Generally, a clean, sound copy.
Preserved in custom-made cloth clamshell box with title label on spine.
=
In the context of Renaissance society, publishing a well-crafted letter was one more way for courtiers and notables to broadcast their refinement, like wearing the clothes we see in Renaissance portraiture.
Private letters were indeed public matter, enthusiastically shared and discussed.
Some letters became famous.
Paolo Manuzio issued collections of letters, and Giolito followed.
Giolito had his resident scholar, Lodovico Dolce, create a "greatest hits" volume of letters that had appeared in print in a wide variety of sources. Dolce set out to collect "the most beautiful letters and the ones of greatest value." First published in 1554, the collection became a model for Italian prose, as well as a storehouse of stories about 16th-century celebrities. The book was produced in small quantity and quickly sold out. A second edition was necessary, and Dolce prepared it with a completely new dedication, and with notable changes in content from the 1554 edition, including the addition of several letters by Giulia da Ponte. Of the two editions, Bongi writes "both are very uncommon, and highly sought by collectors. Since there are notable differences between the two, with each containing letters that are missing in the other, both would be worthy of acquisition by a true devotee." (Bongi I, 442).
Lodovico Dolce (1508/10–1568) was an Italian man of letters and theorist of painting. He was a broadly based Venetian humanist and prolific author, translator, and editor; he is now mostly remembered for his Dialogue on Painting or L'Aretino (1557),[1] and for his involvement in artistic controversies of the day. He was a friend of Titian's, and often acted as in effect his public relations man.
Reserve: $399.00
Shipping:
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Buyer's Premium
20%
1559 MODELS FOR RENAISSANCE LETTER WRITERS antique VELLUM BOUND rare
Estimate $500-$600
Starting Price
$190
LiveAuctioneers Purchase Protection
Vetted auction houses
Secure, online bidding
Returns guaranteed for misrepresented listings
Dedicated support when you need it
Antique books 15th-19th Century
Feb 05, 2026 6:00 PM ESTNew York, NY, United States
TOP


![1556 LA VITA DI SFORZA Paolo Giovio antique VELLUM in Italian RARE 16th century: Title: 1556 LA VITA DI SFORZA Paolo Giovio antique VELLUM in Italian RARE 16th century Description: LA VITA DI SFORZA by Paolo Giovio Venice, Giovanni de 'Rossi, no date [1556] Size 4 1/4 by 6 1/4"](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/5584/405660/225281838_1_x.jpg?height=181&quality=70&sharpen=true&version=1770138154&width=181)






















![ORTELIUS, Abraham (1527-1598). [Theatrum Orbis Terrarum].: ORTELIUS, Abraham (1527-1598). [Theatrum Orbis Terrarum]. Latin Edition. Uncolored. Spine Title: Geogi[?] Gene[?] Antuerpiæ, Abrahamo Ortelio cosmographo regio, excudebat Christophorus Plantinus. M.D](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/1100/405088/224946845_1_x.jpg?height=181&quality=70&sharpen=true&version=1769623062&width=181)
![1638 PLANTIN PRESS Vicenzo GUINIGGI Allocutiones gymnasticae antique VELLUM: Title: 1638 PLANTIN PRESS Vicenzo GUINIGGI Allocutiones gymnasticae antique VELLUM Description: [1638 PLANTIN] Vicenzo GUINIGGI Allocutiones gymnasticae auctae et recensitae. Antverpiae, ex officina P](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/5584/405660/225281958_1_x.jpg?height=181&quality=70&sharpen=true&version=1770138154&width=181)




