MARRONI, Salvatore. Costumi dei dintorni di Roma - Costumi della Corte Pontificia.
[Roma], circa 1840
Two volumes in 4to. 255x185 mm. Quarter in brown Morocco and marbled boards binding, gilt title and ornaments on spines, marbled endpapers. The titles on spine are in French. In the first volume 34 original watercolored drawings; in the second volume 31 original watercolored drawings and 13 engraved plates with contemporary coloring. Under the illustration, captions with graphite titles in Italian and French; in some engravings the title are printed.
In total 65 watercolored drawings and 13 watercolored engravings. Very nice condition.
A very rare and prestigious collection of original drawings in very fresh colors.
Salvatore Marroni, 1790-1872, chalcographer engraver, was particularly specialised in depicting scenes from the life and customs of Rome in the first half of the 19th century. These are preparatory drawings for the albums with the copper-engraved plates, in particular two suites published around the middle of the 19th century, with the titles ‘Nuova Raccolta di N° 40 costumi popolari di Roma’, with 35 plates, and ‘Raccolta dei principali Costumi Religiosi e Militari della corte Pontificia’, with 38 plates.
The first volume bears the title ‘Costumes des environs Rome’ on the spine: the first drawings depict male characters, including: Chief of Brigands; Reaper; Shepherd; Fisherman; Wine Carrier; Eminent Man. These are followed by women in typical local costumes: of some, their activities are indicated, such as Lavandaia and Vignarola; of others, their localities are indicated, including Amatrice; Soranzo; Cori; Civita Castellana; Velletri; Nettuno; Norcia.
The second volume bears the title ‘Costumes de la Court de Rome’ on the spine. The ecclesiastical and military costumes of the papal court are depicted: cardinal deacon, bishop in pontifical dress, pope in audience dress, pope in private dress, master of the Holy Office. Interesting members of the Swiss Guard appear among the engravings: Captain in full dress uniform, Drum Sergeant in service uniform and in full dress uniform, Swiss in simple uniform.