ALBERTI, Leon Battista (1404-1472) - photo 1
ALBERTI, Leon Battista (1404-1472) - photo 2

ALBERTI, Leon Battista (1404-1472)

Lot 59
09.07.2025 10:30UTC +01:00
Classic
To bid, go to the website
CHRISTIE'S
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUnited Kingdom, London
Buyer Premiumsee on Website%
ID 1450474
Lot 59 | ALBERTI, Leon Battista (1404-1472)
Estimate value
£ 20 000 – 25 000
ALBERTI, Leon Battista (1404-1472)
De re aedificatoria. Florence: Nicolaus Laurentii, Alamanus, 29 December 1485.
First edition, first issue of the earliest printed treatise on architecture.

‘This treatise of Alberti’s, the first work on architecture to be printed, was begun about the middle of the century and added to, and revised by, the author until his death in 1472. It was not, however, until thirteen years later that it was published through the efforts of his brother’ (Fowler). Alberti’s treatise ‘On Building’ is based on classical observations of Vitruvius and his own experience as architect, having designed many important Renaissance buildings including Santa Maria Novella and the Rucellai Palace in Florence, Basilica of San Sebastiano and Sant'Andrea in Mantua. ‘In accordance with classical principles, the principal elements of architecture are defined as beauty and ornament. Beauty is essentially harmony, the correct proportions of the parts… Alberti considers architecture not only for ecclesiastical purposes or private patrons, but for the first time particularly as a civic activity. His book includes a scheme for building a whole new town, the earliest printed example of town planning’ (PMM). This copy is part of the apparent first issue, with the last quire not reprinted in a different type. BMC, VI, 630; BSB-Ink A-125; Cicognara, 370; Fowler 3; Goff A-215; GW 579; HC 419; Millard Italian 4; PMM 28; ISTC ia00215000.

Chancery folio (278 x 201mm.). 200 leaves (of 204, lacking k4-5 and l4-5). 34 lines, Roman type, 6- and 7-line initial spaces with printed guide-letter (first leaf a little soiled, some faint spots or minor stains, minor paper flaws, chips or tears in a few blank margins, closed tear into text on ᴐ3 with repair on recto, last leaf rehinged). 18th-century speckled calf, spine gilt, red morocco spine label lettered in gilt, titled in ink manuscript at bottom edge (rebacked preserving backstrip). Provenance: Lord Mostyn, Mostyn Hall (his sale, Christie's London, 9 October 1974, lot 24) – W. Senn-Dürck, Basel-Riehen (1904-2001; booklabel); by descent.
Place of origin:Italy, Europe
Auction house category:Antiquarian books, Books and manuscripts, Printed books
Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
8 King Street, St. James's
SW1Y 6QT London
United Kingdom
Preview
09.07.2025 – 09.07.2025
Phone +44 (0)20 7839 9060
Email
4FQ.AYGKAGLUQ@FO3G@
Buyer Premium see on Website
Conditions of purchaseConditions of purchase

Related terms

Frequently asked questions

First of all, you should register to be able to purchase at auction. After confirming your email address, enter your personal information in your user profile, such as your first name, last name, and mail address. Choose a lot from the upcoming auction and the maximum amount you want to place on it. After confirmation of your choice, we will send your application by e-mail to the appropriate auction house. If the auction house accepts a request, it will participate in the auction. You can view the current status of a bid at any time in your personal account in the "Bids" section.
Auctions are performed by auction houses and each of the auction houses describes their terms of auction. You can see the texts in the section "Auction information".
The results of the auction are published within a few days after the end of the auction. In the top menu of the site, find the tab "Auctions". Click on it and you will be on the auction catalog page, where you can easily find the category "Results". After opening it, select the desired auction from the list, enter and view the current status of the interested lot.
The information about the auction winners is confidential. The auction winner will receive a direct notification from the auction house responsible with instructions for further action: an invoice for payment and the manner in which the goods will be received.
Each of the auction houses has its own payment policy for the won lots. All auction houses accept bank transfers, most of them accept credit card payments. In the near future you will find detailed information for each case in the section "Auction information" on the page of the auction catalog and the lot.
Shipment of the won lot depends on its size. Small items can be delivered by post. Larger lots are sent by courier. Employees of the auction houses will offer you a wide range to choose from.
No. The archive serves as a reference for the study of auction prices, photographs and descriptions of works of art.
×
Save this search query and get timely email alerts! It is simple and very effective.
флоран виллемс (1823 - 1905)
Create a Search Subscription