Historisch-kritische Nachrichten von Italien 1-3/3 - Volkmann, Johann Jacob 1732-1803 (Leipzig Fritsch, 1770)
One of the most influential German art books of the 18th century. Spread over three volumes, it systematically provides information about churches, palaces, art collections, musical life, but also about the history of all important Italian cities from Turin to Naples. As a guide to historical Italy, the 'Volkmann' accompanied Goethe, Karl Philipp Moritz, Johann Gottfried Seume and many other Germans on their travels. Goethe, for example, wrote to Charlotte von Stein in 1787: " I am now reading the good, dry Volckmanns zweyten Theil to note what I have not yet seen." (Kippenberg)
3 identical engraved title vignets depicting 2 little boys holding a map of Italy
Frontispiece engraving by Christian Gottlieb Geyser (1742-1803)
manuscript notes on front matter of vol. 1 and 2
pensil markings throughout
Ex libris Riegel- und Wiesnersche Lesebibliothek Nürnberg (plate)
Keywords: 18th Century (1701-1800); History; Fine art; Travel; Italy