Perspective. ZANOTTI. Trattato teorico-pratico di prospettiva.

In-4to, 260 x 195; wrappers; pp. [6], 207, [1, Errata e Imprimatur]. Printer’s device engraved on copper on titlepage, 11 folded plates engraved on copper. Slight foxing, nice specimen with widr margins.

First edition. Important work composed by the astronomer and mathematician in contrast with the one published a few years earlier by Bibiena. Kemp: “Eustachio Zanotti’s treatise, as would be expected from a scientist of his quality, provides an analytical treatment of the mathematics of perspective at a highly professional level. He is aware that the science of geometrical perspective cannot be regarded as a precise matching of visual experience, and he recommends the avoidance of doctrinaire effects of foreshortening in large scale schemes to be viewed from various angles, but his ultimate recommendation is that the painter can best evoke reality by following the established rules with care and consistency.” Riccardi: “Raro e pregiato...  È uno dei più pregevoli trattati di prospettiva” Cicognara: “Questo eccellente e chiarissimo trattato è dimostrato con facilità di metodo in 55 figure impresse in 11 gran tavole.” La Sezione VIII, Della Prospettiva delle soffitte, e delle scene it mainly concerns the scenography and the theatrical perspective.

Kemp, Science of Art, 141-42; Riccardi, II, 654-5; Cicognara, n. 874.