Neri, Antonio | The first manual on the art of glassblowing

Neri, Antonio

L’arte Vetraria distinta in libri sette. Florence: Stamperia de’Guinta, 1612

4to (211 x 144 mm). Woodcut printer’s device on title, woodcut initials; pale spotting to the title, and occasional spots in the text. Contemporary limp vellum, manuscript title and collection label to spine; small remnants of silk ties on covers.

First edition of the first book devoted solely to the art of glassmaking. Antonio Neri, a Catholic priest, alchemist, and glassmaker, describes his methods for refining the raw materials used to make glass. He then goes on to explain the processes for combining them into a variety of different types and colors of glass. “The book published for the first time many of the closely guarded secrets of glassmaking, including techniques for coloring glass with metallic oxides and making lead glass with a high refractive index” (Norman, 1582). As such, L’arte Vetraria preserved the techniques and science of glassmaking for future generations, becoming a standard reference for glassmakers throughout Europe. Two dozen editions were published before 1900, with translations in multiple languages.

REFERENCES

Norman, Library of Science and Medicine, 1582; Duveen, p. 426; Wing N-483; Cicognara 1726; Honeyman 2296; Partington II, p. 368; Singer, Technology III, pp. 217-219; Wolf I, p. 500; Paul Engle. (2002). Antonio Neri: Alchemist, Glassmaker, Priest. Corning Museum of Glass. www.cmog.org/article/antonio-neri-alchemist-glassmaker-priest

PROVENANCE

Early nineteenth-century bibliographic inscription on rear pastedown, citing Cicognara — Haskell F. Norman (bookplate; Christie's New York, March 18, 1988, lot 142)