Sansovino (Francesco)

Origine dei Cavalieri, first edition, woodcut printer’s device on title, historiated initials, 4 full page coats of arms, title a little dusty, occasional spotting, light toning to end of volume, last leaf reinforced, library stamp to title, owner’s name ‘Dr. Pio Spadazzi’ on front pastedown, contemporary vellum over boards, soiled, 8vo, Camillo & Rutilio Borgominieri, Venice, 1566.

*** Important treatise on the orders of chivalry dedicated to Cosimo I de 'Medici describing the statute and the origin of the main orders (Toson d'oro, Santissima Annunziata, Templari, Giarrettiera, San Michele & Toson d’Oro, established by Cosimo I de’ Medici). The works ends with two brief descriptions of the island of Malta, seat of the Knights of Jerusalem, and of the island of Elba, seat of the knights of Santo Stefano, whose foundation of Cosmopoli (Portoferraio) is praised.