GRAF (Urs). Lot n° 14

Passio domini nostri Jesu Christi ex evangelistarum textu quam accuratissime deprompta additis sanctissimis exquisitissimisque figuris. Strasbourg, Johannes Knobloch, 1507. In-folio, tortoiseshell calf, triple gilt fillet, ornate spine, inner lace, gilt edges (Modern binding). Second Latin edition of this work published by the humanists Johannes Geiler von Kaysersberg (1445-1510) and Mathias Ringmann (1482-1511). The first edition was published in 1506 under the title Passionis Christi unum ex quattuor evangelistis textum. Beautiful woodcut illustration by Urs Graf (1485?-1528?), goldsmith, engraver, draftsman and mercenary from Solothurn. The work is decorated with 25 full-page plates, 21 of which are signed with his monogram VG and 3 unsigned. The last plate is by Hans Wechtlin. This beautiful suite is one of the masterpieces of the Swiss engraver, in the tradition of Dürer's Passion. A rubricated copy with a large red initial at the beginning of each paragraph. All engravings have been enhanced with a pleasant old color. Title leaf browned and stained with small tears sparing the engraving on the verso, missing upper corner of the first two leaves, repaired break in the margin of a few leaves, worm holes in the last few leaves not severe, paper thinning in the lower margin of the penultimate plate. Hollstein, XI, C 4-28 - Kristeller, 344/5 - Muller, II, 1730.