The finest pictorial record of the architecture of Florence in the 18th century. A complete set of the finest pictorial record of the historical architecture of Florence in the XVIII century. In red morocco by Derome.

Zocchi (1711-1767), a painter, draftsman, and etcher, was the protege of Gerini, who commissioned these prints and also paid for Zocchi's artistic education in Rome, Bologna, and Lombardy. Although he made easel and mural paintings, Zocchi's oeuvre is richest in drawings and prints.

The present series was etched by a team of twelve artists after Zocchi's designs. The four most important squares are shown at times of great festivity, and are most likely the earliest views Zocchi made for this series. Other plates demonstrate various uses of the River Arno, the splendid bridges that cross it, and the great buildings along its shore. The series as a whole presents Florence in a wonderful light, as a city of beautiful architecture with a lively population:

'Consistently celebrative and accomplished, this collection shows a city striving to maintain a placid and prosperous appearance; Zocchi's limpid vision, similar to Carlevaris' and Visentini's interpretations of Venice, endow the city with cohesion and serenity.' (Millard)

Second edition; folio (58 x 41.5 cm); double-page engraved allegorical title page, engraved dedication, engraved map, 24 double-page etched and engraved plates numbered I-XXIV, engraved by Corsi, Franceschini, Gabuggiani, Gregori, Papini, Muller, Marieschi, Monaco, Pazzi Pfeffel, Seuter, Sgrilli, Vasi, after drawings by Zocchi; contemporary red morocco gilt by Derome (ticket to title); small hole (50 mm) to blank outer margin outside plate plate mark of plate VII, tiny area of restoration to verso plate XXIII outside plate mark.

Berlin Kat. 2700, Brunet V, 1107.