18th-Century Folio of Engravings of the Column of Marcus Aurelius

Pietro Santi Bartoli; text by Giovanni Pietro Bellori. COLUMNA COCHLIS M. AURELIO ANTONINO AUGUSTO DICATA... Rome, 1704. Second ed. (first published 1672). Quarter bound over red paper boards, gilt stamped spine with black leather label. Oblong folio; engraved title page and (77) numbered engravings. Text in Latin.
17 3/4 x 13 3/8 in.
Pietro Santi Bartoli (Italian, 1635-1700) was an important and prolific Roman artist known for his engravings of famous Roman architecture and monuments.

Like other Roman imperial monuments, the Column of Marcus Aurelius celebrates the emperor's victories during his rule. Specifically, the column depicts his military achievements in the Marcomannic Wars against the Germans and Sarmatians.

This book of engravings focuses on the Column of Marcus Aurelius which was completed in 193CE and features spiraling reliefs depicting his military victories and the over 2,000 figures who made them possible.
From the Collection of Professor Roberto Severino, Washington, D.C.
Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.lelandlittle.com

Boards scuffed with significant edgewear, spine rubbed with small leather losses; interior lightly toned with offsetting and occasional crease; foxing throughout; lacking dedication leaf, title page for "Stylobates Columnae Antoninae," and rare extra plates (TAB I-III).