Miscellanea 1522
16.4 x 11.0 cm (book measurement (conservation)) | RCIN 1080368
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The Miscellanea was one of Politian’s most innovative works, a collection of essays on philology and criticism, and a far cry from the formal text-specific commentaries that had been the norm until then. It was first published in Florence in 1489, and in several subsequent editions, including this first Basel edition. This was the first use of this particular woodcut border, designed by Holbein (1497/8-1543) for the Basel printer Valentin Curio (active 1520-33). Curio’s speciality was Greek, particularly lexica and grammars; he collaborated with Cratander on a Greek lexicon, which later led to a dispute between them about reprinting rights. He also published works in German, including ones critical of the Roman Church.
The framework for this title-page border is created by foliage, with a couple seated around a skull at the top centre, and two men with trophies on the left and right sides (perhaps David with the head of Goliath on the right). At the bottom Holbein incorporated the legend of Phyllis and Aristotle, in which the great philosopher was so besotted by Phyllis, the lover of Alexander, that he submitted to being ridden by her. Holbein’s design appears to have been heavily influenced by that of Hans Burgkmair, who included the myth of Phyllis and Aristotle in his series of woodcuts entitled Weiberlisten (‘Women’s Wile’).
Binding information
Full leather bound in brown calf with blind stamped panels: (on front board) a Tudor rose flanked by angels, with the initials I N beneath (applied to Julian Notary, the London stationer), and (on back board) the Tudor Royal Arms with dragon and greyhound supporters. The blind panel-stamped binding was made by Julian Notary (c.1455-c.1523), a printer and bookseller from Brittany who established himself in London in the mid-1490s. His output was mainly of liturgical and theological works, with some miscellaneous English works, usually based on the editions of others.
Catalogue entry adapted from The Northern Renaissance. Dürer to Holbein, London 2011.Provenance
Previously owned by Henry Virtue Tebbs (1835-99); probably acquired for the Royal Library at the bookseller F.S. Ellis's sale, November 1878 (lot 239), £12 12s. Loaned by Queen Victoria to the Burlington Fine Art Club Exhibition of Fine Binding in 1891 (Case A, No. 26).
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Creator(s)
(publisher)Acquirer(s)
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Measurements
16.4 x 11.0 cm (book measurement (conservation))
Category
Other number(s)
Alternative title(s)
Angeli Politiani Miscellaneorum centuria una.
Place of Production
Basel [Switzerland]