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1 of 253523 objects
Ruralia Commoda c.1490-5
With woodblock illustrations and marginal annotations throughout | 29 cm x 42.5 cm (open) (book measurement (conservation)) | RCIN 1057436
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Pietro Crescenzi is best known for his manual on agriculture, the 'Ruralia Commoda', first written c.1305. Translated into several languages, it was a standard work on agriculture and also hunting and falconry, subjects which were of interest to Henry VIII. Among the many lively woodcuts in this incunable, or book printed between 1450 and 1500, are illustrations showing the production of wine. An inventory number written on the title page (1417) shows that this book belonged to Henry VIII, and was part of his library at Whitehall Palace. An earlier inscription records that it had been in the possession of the King's chaplain, Richard Rawson. It would later pass with the rest of the old Royal Library to the British Museum in 1757. Sold as a duplicate, it was re-acquired for the Royal Library at Windsor during the early part of Queen Victoria's reign.
Provenance
Part of Henry VIII's library and later in the British Museum collection, from where it was sold as a duplicate in the 1788 duplicate book sale (stamped 1787; Lot no. 4535) where it was purchased for 8s by Carley. Subsequently purchased by Queen Victoria for the Royal Library. An inscription shows that the book was in a sale at Sothebys on May 12th 1837 (Lot no. 187). As well as a signature showing that the book belonged to Richard Rawson, a further signature marks J. Caley as a previous owner, with another, along with a bookplate, revealing the book was also owned by J.T. Hand.
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Creator(s)
Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
With woodblock illustrations and marginal annotations throughout
Measurements
29 cm x 42.5 cm (open) (book measurement (conservation))
Category
Other number(s)
ISTC : Incunabula Short Title Catalogue – ISTC ic00969000Alternative title(s)
Ruralia Commoda / Petrus de Crescentiis.
Petri de Crescentis in commodum ruralium cum figuris libri duodecim.
Full calf with blue pastepaper endpapers. Spine gold tooled, double line roll around edges of boards. Laced on boards, five raised bands.
Place of Production
Speyer [Germany]
