VITRUVIUS POLLIO, Marcus. Architettura con il suo commento et figure Vetruuio in volgar lingua raportato per m. Gianbatista Caporali di Perugia.
Perugia, Giano Bigazzini, 1536
4to. 300 x 225 mm. Later vellum, renewed endpapers. Leaves (3, including the title page), 131. 71 lines plus headline. Text in Roman type framed within a commentary in smaller types and Greek type. Historiated initials, a large Q with a perspective view of buildings. Woodcut architectural title page with portrait and coat of arms of the translator in the border, dedication sheet with full-length woodcut portrait of Giano Bigazzini, 81 woodcut illustrations, some full-page. Traces of wear on the binding, slightly stained, heavier in some places (also affecting the woodcut title page and 1 full-page woodcut), some water stains, especially at the beginning.
First illustrated edition of Caporali's Italian translation of the first five books of Vitruvius. This work was printed in Perugia by Caporali's patron, Count Bigazzini, who created the printing press specifically for this edition. Giovanni Battista Caporali was an active architect from Perugia who built several buildings, many of which still survive, and was a respected painter in Signorelli's circle. In this work, he demonstrates his skill as a translator and a valuable commentator. His translation and woodcuts are based on those of the 1521 Italian edition.
The book is highly attractive for its typographic design and numerous illustrations, some of which feature original subjects. The richly illustrated architectural titlepage also includes a portrait of the translator's and his coat of arms.
The publisher of this edition, Conte Giano Bigazzini, is depicted in military dress; he had worked as a condottiere for the Republic of Venice before retiring to his native Perugia and immersing himself in literary and artistic pursuits. His private press produced just two works: this edition of Vitruvius's first five books prepared by the Perugian artist Giovanni Battista Caporali, and a volume of poems by Lodovico Dolce. The printer may have been Luca Bini who was in Perugia at this time.
Fowler 400; Cicognara 705; Berlin Kat. 1805; Mortimer 546; BM STC It., p. 735; Sander III, 7700; No in Adams.