Serlio, Die aldervermaertste Antique edificien, Antwerp, 1546, modern sheep

[SERLIO, SEBASTIANO] Die aldervermaertste Antique edificien van templen, theatren, amphiteatren, paleisen, thermen, obeliscen, bruggen, archentriumphal &c. beschreven ende gefigureert met haren gronden en maten oock de plaetsen daerse staen en wiese dede maken. (Antwerp: Gilles Coppens van Diest for Pieter Coecke van Aelst, April 1546)

First Flemish translation of Serlio's Book III, on classical buildings, by Pieter Coecke. The present edition contains close copies of the woodcuts from the Italian editions (for Marcolini's 1540 edition, see lot 604) while omitting Serlio's name completely. The influence of Coecke's translations of Serlio extended to England, where Robert Peake translated Serlio from Flemish rather than the original Italian.

Folio (354 x 242 mm). Gothic type. Collation: a-r⁴ s⁶: 74 leaves. Title in an elaborate woodcut frame, woodcut initials, numerous woodcut illustrations, of which one double-page, colophon within woodcut frame. (Spotting on title-page, some soiling, M1 frayed at foredge with slight loss to woodcut, about a dozen leaves with corners stained and repaired.)

Binding: Modern dark brown sheep (363 x 260 mm), 3 blind fillets around sides, blind-stamped floral corner-pieces, plain spine and edges. (Spine slightly sunned).

Acquisition: Purchased in 2011 from Paul Grinke, London. References: BAL RIBA 2969; STCN 334177057; USTC 400755; Vène, Bibliographia Serliana 13