Basilicae S. Mariae Maioris de Urbe a Liberio Papa I. usque ad Paulum V. Pont. Max. descriptio et delineatio (...) Lib. XII.

Folio : [26]-252-14-[2] pp. (worming in blank bottom or inner margin of 1st quires, occ. staining or spotting, bottom title margin underlaid).

Old quarter vellum (rubbed, corners bumped), flat spine (wormed), titled in ink. Good large paper copy.

Rare history and description (with lists of canons, relics, religious objects) of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of only four churches to hold the ranking of "major basilica", the highest rank given to Roman Catholic churches. Profusely illustrated with engravings : title with 12 vignettes showing important events in the Church's history, 39 large, incl. 17 very large folding pls (maps, floor plans, views of exterior and interior) outside collation, and 22 full-page ills in text (4 cancel plates pasted on). The core of the original church was built under Pope Sixtus III, in the immediate aftermath of the Council of Ephesus of 431, which proclaimed Mary Mother of God. When the popes returned to Rome after the Avignon papacy, the basilica also became a temporary Palace of the Popes, before the papal residence later moved to the Vatican. The author, Abbate Paolo De Angelis (1580-1647) was known for his talents as a draughtsman. His works are important resources on the architecture and history of important sites in Rome. Additional dedication to Philip IV of Spain bound with between +2-3. ref. Cicognara 3579 (“Opera di pregio ... nobilmente eseguita”). - Rossetti 2134. - Rhodes (BL) 37.