Smith, Webster - Introduction and Commentaries

The Farnese Hours [The Pierpoint Morgan Library. New York]

New York: George Braziller, 1976. Hardcover in an Illustrated Slipcover.

Blind-stamped light brown swede boards with silver gilt spine titles.  The slipcase with designed spine titles and decorated rear panel and color paste-on with title on the front.

No Flaws or Blemishes but moderate shelf handling with minor soiling of the slipcase; and an attractive previous owner's bookplate. 167 pages; 4.675 by 7.25 inches; color illustrations on glossy plates.

Designed by Vincent Torre; Slipcase designed by Oscar Ratti; Printed in France by Draeger; Bound in Switzerland by Mayer & Soutter.

Fine / A Near Fine Slip Case; No Dust Jacket As Issued. Item #17245
ISBN: 0807608564

Croatian artist Giulio Clovio, nicknamed "new Michelangelo" or "Raphael of miniatures," illuminated the renowned Farnese Hours, an intimate prayer book for Cardinal Alessandro Farnese (1520-1589), a prominent patron of the arts in Renaissance Rome, who hailed from the influential Farnese family that included Pope Paul III. This book stands as a masterpiece among his diverse artistic commissions.

Considered the masterpiece of Clovio, it is now in the Morgan Library & Museum in New York City. It is often regarded as the last major manuscript book of hours.

It contains the usual texts and prayers, and illustrations with architectural borders and classical nudes.

Price: $65.00