Istruzione Elementare per gli studiosi della Scultura

Florence: Tipografia della Società Letteraria, 1802. Rare first edition of this illustrated treatise on the art of sculpture by Carradori, a neoclassical sculptor and professor at the Florentine Academy. The work considers basic tools and materials of the craft: clay, wax, stucco, stone and marble as well as the straw, wire, cloth and glue for ephemeral or festival decorations. There follows an outline of human anatomy and the basic methods of modelling in clay, direct and indirect stone carving, the use of stucco, bronze casting, pointing, riveting, transportation and the restoration of ancient sculpture. The last is of particular interest as Carradori carried out the restoration of a number of important ancient sculptures and Renaissance buildings (listing in DBI), and the present work affords a look into his methods. * Cicognara 306; DBI, s.v. Carradori, 633-35.. Small folio [23 x 28.6 cm], (2) ff., including full-page engraved title signed Lafinio after Carradori, 37 pp., (1) f., 17 numbered plates on (13) ff., each preceded or followed by 1 page of numbered explanatory text (total 8 leaves). Bound in early patterned wrappers. Toning and occasional spotting in margin, but generally a very fresh copy. (Inventory #: 1850)