PACIAUDI, Paolo Maria (1710-1785). Descrizione... Lot 62

PACIAUDI, Paolo Maria (1710-1785). Descrizione delle feste celebrate in Parma l'anno 1769. Parma: Bodoni, 1769. Copy in good internal condition of one of the most celebrated books published by Bodoni, published in the early stages of his career in collaboration with Ennemond Alexandre Petitot (1727-1801), the chief architect of the court of Parma from 1753. The iconographically rich work illustrates the spectacles staged for the wedding of Ferdinand I of Bourbon and Maria Amalia of Habsburg-Lorraine in 1769. Petitot designed the architectural plans, stage sets, and costumes for these celebrations, which were masterfully reproduced in etchings by Benigno Bossi and other artists of the time. Bodoni's elegant layout enhances the spectacular engravings and the book was a huge success: 'The most attractive of all Bodoni's books for the beauty of the figures' (Brooks 6). Folio, (565 x 420 mm). Engraved allegorical title-page, 36 engraved plates including 6 double-page spreads, 5 head-pieces, 8 initials, 19 tail-pieces, half-title, letterpress title with the arms of the Bourbons with lions of Spain and military trophies, 76 pages of text in two columns in Italian and French, in good condition. 20th century Bodonian-style binding with calf spine, title-piece to spine, marbled boards (upper portion of spine detached but present). (1)