ORPHEUS - photo 1
ORPHEUS - photo 2
ORPHEUS - photo 3
ORPHEUS - photo 4

ORPHEUS

Lot 108
11.12.2024 14:00UTC +00:00
Classic
Sold
£ 25 200
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUnited Kingdom, London
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ID 1349721
Lot 108 | ORPHEUS
Estimate value
£ 15 000 – 20 000
ORPHEUS
Argonautica. Hymni, in Greek. -PROCLUS (410/12-485), Hymni, in Greek. Edited by Benedictus Ricardinus. Florence: [?Bartolommeo di Libri], for Filippo Giunta, 19 September 1500
The Botfield copy of the editio princeps of both Orphic texts and Proclus’ hymns, and Filippo Giunta’s second publication. The fragments of poems printed here were considered to be the work of Orpheus who, according to St Augustine, was one of the few Greeks who could claim antiquity greater than Hebrew poets. Orpheus’ works were accorded particular respect by Renaissance humanists: they were among the earliest texts translated by Marsilio Ficino, and they were performed at the Platonic Academy in Florence. Constantine Lascaris lectured on them and was possibly involved in preparing the present edition (cf. Hoffmann Legrand, Bibliographie hellenique I, 1885, lxxxvi). Goff O-103; HC 12106; Bod-inc O-032; BMC VI 690; BSB-Ink O-87; ISTC io00103000.

Quarto (229 x 158mm). 52 leaves, with the final blank. Greek types, woodcut decorative headpiece and initial opening each Orphic text printed in red (minor paper repair bottom margin of α8). Red hard-grained morocco by Charles Lewis (1786-1836), gilt panel on sides, gilt spine, gilt edges; modern red morocco-backed box. Provenance: Beriah Botfield (1807-1863; sale Christie’s 30 March 1994, Lot 48) – [H.P. Kraus, The Greek Book, New York 1997, no. 4] – Livio Ambrogio (monogram bookplate).
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
11.12.2024 – 11.12.2024
Phone +44 (0)20 7839 9060
Email
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