Apr 16, 2026 10:00 EST
Rare Books, Autographs & Maps
10
An important work on Venetian art, in dialect
BOSCHINI, MARCO
La carta del navegar pitoresco. Venetia: [Francesco] Baba, 1540. First edition. Modern red leather, 8 x 5 3/4 inches (20 x 15 cm.) Collation: 4º: Π4a-b4A-4Q44R6; 358 leaves. Binding defective, with most of the spine missing, front joint entirely cracked, rear joint slightly loose, scuffs to both covers, and evidence of tape repair to the spine. Internally quite bright, with some evidence of washing. A few tide lines and some old creases.
The first edition of an important work on Baroque art in Venice, in the Venetian dialect. Here, Boschini, himself a painter and engraver, defends Venetian art against the dominant Roman and Tuscan ideals. Notably, Boshcini dedicates a significant chunk of this poem to discussing the workings of the art market in Venice. The poem is illustrated with woodcuts executed by Boschini himself, many depicting works by his contemporaries including Daniel van den Dyck, Nicolas Régnier, Giovan Battista Langetti, Francesco Maffei, Pietro della Vecchia, and many more. Cicognara 976; Schlosser-Magnino 547; Borroni I, 1619; Gamba 118.
Sold for $1,536
Estimated at $1,000 - $1,500
Includes Buyer's Premium
BOSCHINI, MARCO
La carta del navegar pitoresco. Venetia: [Francesco] Baba, 1540. First edition. Modern red leather, 8 x 5 3/4 inches (20 x 15 cm.) Collation: 4º: Π4a-b4A-4Q44R6; 358 leaves. Binding defective, with most of the spine missing, front joint entirely cracked, rear joint slightly loose, scuffs to both covers, and evidence of tape repair to the spine. Internally quite bright, with some evidence of washing. A few tide lines and some old creases.
The first edition of an important work on Baroque art in Venice, in the Venetian dialect. Here, Boschini, himself a painter and engraver, defends Venetian art against the dominant Roman and Tuscan ideals. Notably, Boshcini dedicates a significant chunk of this poem to discussing the workings of the art market in Venice. The poem is illustrated with woodcuts executed by Boschini himself, many depicting works by his contemporaries including Daniel van den Dyck, Nicolas Régnier, Giovan Battista Langetti, Francesco Maffei, Pietro della Vecchia, and many more. Cicognara 976; Schlosser-Magnino 547; Borroni I, 1619; Gamba 118.
Auction: Rare Books, Autographs & Maps, Apr 16, 2026
-
Successful Auction of Rare Books, Autographs & Maps on April 16, 2026 Surpasses Expectations
-
Thomas Jefferson Letter Commenting on Toussaint Louverture Achieves $32,000
-
Consignments Are Currently Being Accepted for Future Auctions
-
We Invite You to Contact Us for Complimentary Auction Estimates of Your Collection
NEW YORK, NY – Doyle's auction of Rare Books, Autographs & Maps on April 16, 2026 saw international competition drive strong results throughout the sale and a total that surpassed expectations.
Thomas Jefferson Letter on Toussaint Louverture
Highlighting the sale was a fascinating 1802 letter from Thomas Jefferson as president to Maryland Governor John Francis Mercer that achieved a strong $32,000. The remarkable letter captures a rare, candid moment in which Jefferson assesses, with striking clarity, the arrest of Toussaint Louverture, a leader of the Haitian Revolution, by French General Charles LeClerc, Napoleon’s brother-in-law. Jefferson perceptively warned that LeClerc’s actions would erode trust and likely spark further racial conflict—an insight that proved remarkably accurate. Beyond its sharp political foresight, the letter reflects the broader anxiety the Haitian Revolution provoked in the United States, which contributed to decades of diplomatic isolation of Haiti.
We Invite You to Auction!
Consignments are currently being accepted for future auctions. We invite you to contact us for complimentary auction estimates. Our Specialists are always available to discuss the sale of a single item or an entire collection.
