Della robbia sua coltivazione e suoi usi

8vo (215x143 mm). XVI, 294, [2 blank] pp. and V engraved plates by Matteo Carboni and Stefano Mulinari. Engraved title page with the arms of the dedicatee in the center. Engraved initial on p. V. Contemporary boards, inked title on spine (slightly foxed, spine and front joint partially opened). A few leaves browned towards the end, otherwise a very good, clean copy.

First edition, dedicated by Marti to the Grand Duke of Tuscany Pietro Leopoldo, of this treatise on the cultivation, processing and use of madder (rubia tinctorum), a climbing plant whose root is used as the primary source of dye. Madder was the principal source of various brilliant red pigments until the beginnig of their chemical production in 1868. The plates depict the plant and its processing for red dyes. It also contains: Memoria sopra la coltivazione della robbia secondo il metodo che si pratica in Cipro by Antonio Mondaini.

Italian Union Catalogue, IT\ICCU\PUVE\005405; Bibliotheca Tinctoria, 712; Lastri, pp. 82-83.

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