Lot 302: VANVITELLI, LUIGI

DICHIARAZIONE DEI DISEGNI DEL REALE PALAZZO DI CASERTA. NAPLES: REGIA STAMPERIA, 1756 Large folio (660 x 475mm.), half-title, engraved title-page, engraved initials, head- and tailpieces, 14 double-page engraved plates designed by Vanvitelli and engraved by Nolli, Pozzi and d'Orazi, later vellum-backed crimson boards, title in gilt on spine, two small wormholes at head of gutter just touching plates, plate 13 with a few marginal repaired tears, occasional light spotting on text leaves

BAL RIBA 3386; Cicognara 4105; Fowler 348

Dr Arwed Rossbach, Leipzig, stamp on half-title

Vanvitelli was engaged by Charles Bourbon, King of the Two Sicilies, to design a new royal palace near Caserta, in the Campanian countryside north of his capital at Naples. The extensive and elaborate palace with its breathtaking gardens, known as the Italian Versailles, was constructed between 1752 and 1772 to Vanvitelli's plans. Charles funded the publication of this elegant record of his palace, and it is presumed that further parts were planned as the text ends with "Fine della prima parte", but no more were published.