Hardcover
1923 · New York
by Cartwright, Julia
New York: E. P. Dutton & Co, 1923. Cheaper edition. Hardcover. NF interiors; very light general age wear to leather hinges and tips, but still beautiful bindings. Previous owner's bookplate inside both volumes. 3/4 lleather with 5 raised bands, red leather labels in spine compartments and gilt tooling and devices elsewhere. Marbled boards and endpapers. TEG. Deckled edges. Vol. I - xxiv + 392 + 3 with bw frontis and 8 additional bw plates, all with tissue guards. Vol. II - xiv + 419 with bw frontis and 8 additional bw plates, all with tissue guards. Two-volume biography of Isabella d'Este, an influential member of the nobility and a patron of the arts in Renaissance Italy. "Isabella d'Este played a prominent role in society throughout her lifetime. Despite the challenge of being a female member of the nobility during the Renaissance, d'Este was still able to establish such a status for herself that she is still remembered to this day. She married into the position of Marchesa of Mantua, and was able to assert her authority from her place in Francesco's shadow. D'Este utilised letters and social networking to benefit the Gonzaga court and to further her countless relations within Italy and abroad. Isabella also exhibited her vast wealth through arts and fashion to gain the admiration of her followers and the aristocracy alike, and as a result was an influential patron to many famous Renaissance artists. With the advantage of a broad education Isabella d'Este was able to leave her mark on a male-orientated world and cement herself a dignified place in history." (from CLIOjournal) Cartwright's biography continues to be the definitive history of d'Este's life. A beautiful set for the book case as well.
(Inventory #: 172087)