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
Sold
£ 22 680
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUnited Kingdom, London
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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
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09.07.2025 – 09.07.2025
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