Information
A substantial paper manuscript of a composite nature but mainly constructed around a very rich collection of arms and heraldic coats of arms attributable to Mantuan and non-Mantuan families , almost 300 leaves, 325 x 230 mm., various hands ranging from the end of the 17th century to the mid-18th century. On the initial leaves an epigraphic dedication indicates the occasion of the gift of this manuscript: the wedding between Odoardo II Farnese and Dorotea Sofia of Neuburg , which took place on 17 May 1690. The list follows with the relative coats of arms of the districts and contrade of Mantua, finely watercoloured. A detailed list of Mantuan families on 12 cards precedes the Armorial itself, which opens with a description of the large painted coat of arms celebrating the marriage (and thus the fusion of the families) between Ludovico Gonzaga (also known as Louis IV - Mantua, 18 September 1539 – Nesle, 23 October 1595) and Henrietta di Cléves, heir to the House of Nevers and Rethel, whom he married on 4 March 1565. This is followed by 221 cards with 6 finely watercolored coats of arms per page relating to Mantuan families and others. From card numbers 222 to 227, the coats of arms are present but not colored, and refer to noble families of the late 17th century. Some blank cards or cards prepared to host other coats of arms precede a beautiful drawing of the coat of arms of the Ezelini family of Padua. A more strictly genealogical section then opens, with the Geneaologia Totius Familiae Gonzagae developed over 13 maps, followed by another 13 maps with genealogies, arranged on folded sheets. The final section is a very interesting description of Mantuan places, from Tè to the various lakes, with a list of the "Notable places in the city of Mantua", followed by two refined drawings , the first in watercolor, depicting the plan of S. Giacomo a Po' and a detailed view of the city of Mantua. Finally, a long 36-page list places the various Mantuan families within the city , describing their homes, possessions, territories, etc. The volume concludes with 8 pages describing the "Virtues of the Herbs that are painted in the room", but it is unclear which room it refers to. A loose fascicle of six maps, placed at the end of the volume, contains a first index of the families with references to the various maps of the manuscript. A useful tool, no doubt.
The volume has a rustic cardboard cover with tears and missing parts, dating back to around the end of the 17th century.
The volume has a rustic cardboard cover with tears and missing parts, dating back to around the end of the 17th century.
Specialist Notes
In heraldry, an armorial is a collection of coats of arms, with strong historical and documentary value. Historically, it represents a valuable source for the study of family history, genealogy, and nobility, documenting lineage and relationships between families and individuals. Documentarily, armorials provide information on the use of heraldic symbols, allowing us to identify and understand the meaning of coats of arms, which often reflect the history, culture, and traditions of the families represented.
In this case, the historical value is enhanced by the breadth of documentation and the diverse scope of the present armorial, which presents itself as a valuable document, likely rich in useful information not only on the history of Mantua but also on the surrounding area. It deserves to be studied.
In this case, the historical value is enhanced by the breadth of documentation and the diverse scope of the present armorial, which presents itself as a valuable document, likely rich in useful information not only on the history of Mantua but also on the surrounding area. It deserves to be studied.
Contact
Condition report
To request a Condition Report, please contact libriestampe@finarte.it
The department will provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that what Finarte declares with respect to the state of conservation of the objects corresponds only to a qualified opinion and that we are not professional conservators or restorers.
We urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. We always suggest prospective buyers to inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition during the exhibition days as indicated in the catalog.
Suggested lots
Caricamento lotti suggeriti...
More Lots
![[Militaria] Rules to be made Infantry Squadrons by Hippolito Cavalarini from Modena](https://api.finarte.it/api/lotto/immagine/168997/0/300.jpg)
72
Cavallerini, Ippolito
[Militaria] Rules to be made Infantry Squadrons by Hippolito Cavalarini from Modena, 1600
Estimate € 2.000 - 3.000
Starting bid € 2.000
