A Rare Viennese Collection Catalogue

(MECHETTI, Carlo or Charles).

Catalogue des Estampes des plus grands maitres, Tableaux, Bagues, Livres, Vases, Idoles, &c. qui composent la Collection de…

viii, 120 pp. 4to, cont. pale blue paper wrappers (spine defective). Vienna: La Société Typographique, 1790.

The uncommon sale catalogue of the collections formed by the founder of the famous Viennese music publisher. Originally from Lucca, Mechetti (c. 1745-1811), encountered financial troubles and was forced to sell his collection of thousands of items, primarily Italian prints and paintings. In the introduction, Mechetti highlights certain pieces in his collection, which was apparently not for sale by auction but rather private contract. Pages 113-20 describe a large library rich in books on the arts and history.

Nice copy. This copy was inscribed on the inside front wrappers to the amateur geologist Baron de Beroldingen (see Zittel). From the library of His Serene Highness Prince Fürstenberg at Donaueschingen with his stamp on title.

❧ Cicognara 4548.

Price: $1,500.00

Item ID: 6413