Sovrano militare ordine ospedaliero di San Giovanni di Gerusalemme di Rodi e di Malta. Gli statuti della Sac. Religione di S. Gio. Gerosolimitano con le Ordinationi del Capitolo Generale celebrato nell’anno MDCIII.
Roma, Stampatori Camerali, 1609
Published with: Le ordinationi del Capitolo Generale celebrato nell'anno MDCIII dall'ill.mo et r.mo Gran Maestro fra Alfio di Wignacourt e Priuilegij della Sacra Religione di San Gio. Gerosolimitano.
Published with: Priuilegij della sacra Religione di San Gio. Gerosolimitano con un indice volgare.
In 4to. 225x125 mm. 3 parts in one vol. Each part with its own title page. Contemporary quarter leather binding, gilt title on spine label, some losses, defects.
Part I: title page with architectural frame, portrait of A. di Wignacourt, engraved by Philippe Thomasin, handwritten notes on the verso of leaf b4; Part II: title page, portrait of A. di Wignacourt; Part III: Portrait of A. di Wignacourt repeated 3 times, architectural title page.
Woodcut headpieces, initials and tailpieces. First 2 leaves worn with slight losses to the lower margin; slight water stains and slight foxing.
A rare and valuable work composed of distinct parts referring to different aspects of the jurisdiction concerning the Knights of Malta.
Of particular interest is the handwritten annotation on verso of leaf b4, which continues the list of Grand Masters of the Order, which in the printed text ended with Fra' Alof de Wignacourt, Grand Master of the Order from 1601 to 1622. The compiler, in addition to integrating and completing the entry on Wignacourt, added the two subsequent Masters, Fra Luis Mendes de Vasconcellos (1622-23) and Fra Antonio di Paula, or Antoine de Paule, who was in office from 1623 to 1636. It is curious that he had already prepared the death details of the Grand Master, which he never completed, either because he forgot or because he died before him.