Information
A substantial paper manuscript of a composite nature but mainly built around a very rich collection of arms and heraldic coats of arms attributable to families from Mantua and elsewhere , almost 300 cards, 325 x 230 mm., various hands ranging from the end of the 17th century to the middle of the 18th century. In the initial cards 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 the description of the large painted coat of arms celebrating the marriage (and therefore the fusion of the families) between Ludovico Gonzaga (also known as Louis IV - Mantua, 18 September 1539 – Nesle, 23 October 1595) and Enrichetta di Cléves, heir of the house of Nevers and Rethel, whom he married on 4 March 1565. This is followed by 221 cards with 6 finely watercoloured coats of arms per page relating to Mantuan families and beyond. From card numbered 222 to 227 the coats of arms are present but not coloured, and refer to noble families of the late seventeenth 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 opens with the Geneaologia Totius Familiae Gonzagae developed on 13 cards, followed by another 13 cards with genealogies, arranged on folded sheets. The last part is configured as a very interesting description of places in Mantua, 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 watercolour, depicting the plan of S. Giacomo a Po' and a detailed view of the city of Mantua. Finally, a long list of 36 pages places the various Mantuan families within the city , describing their homes, possessions, territories, etc. The volume ends with 8 pages describing the "Virtues of the Herbs that are painted in the room", but it is not clear which room it refers to. A loose file of six cards, placed at the end of the volume, contains a first index of the families with references to the various cards in 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
An armorial, in heraldry, is a collection of coats of arms, with a strong historical and documentary value. Historically, it represents a valuable source for the study of family history, genealogy and nobility, documenting the lineage and relationships between families and individuals. Documentarily, armorials provide information on the use of heraldic symbols, allowing to identify and understand the meaning of the coats of arms, which often reflect the history, culture and traditions of the families represented.
In this case the historical value is increased by the breadth of documentation and the diversified extension of the present armorial, which presents itself as a precious document and probably rich in useful information not only on the history of Mantua but also on the surrounding territory. All to be studied.
In this case the historical value is increased by the breadth of documentation and the diversified extension of the present armorial, which presents itself as a precious document and probably rich in useful information not only on the history of Mantua but also on the surrounding territory. All to be studied.
Contact
Condition report
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