Details
SFORZA, Isabella (1503-1561). Della vera tranquillita' dell'animo. Venice: heirs of Aldus, 1544.

First edition of a philosophical work by a notable Renaissance woman. The text was edited by Ortensio Lando, who relates in the preface that he had himself just written a treatise on the tranquility of the soul when he discovered that his friend, Isabella Sforza, had recently completed a work on the same topic. Finding her composition superior to his, he helped her get it printed, urging the dedicatee, Bishop Otto von Waldburg, to read it carefully as a demonstration of "what the feminine sex can accomplish if properly instructed in literature." Isabella Sforza was the great-granddaughter of Alessandro Sforza (1409-73), founder of the Pesaro line of the family. Her other works included a treatise on the condition of women. Adams S-1044; BM/STC Italian 624; Gamba 1646; Renouard Aldes, 129.1; UCLA 318.

Quarto (205 x 151mm). Woodcut Aldine device on title and final page (faint dampstain to lower margin, slightly faded impression on parts of sheet D2.3). 19th-century stiff vellum. Provenance: Giannalisa Feltrinelli (her sale, Christie's, 7 October 1997, lot 90).
Brought to you by

Related Articles

Sorry, we are unable to display this content. Please check your connection.

More from
Fine Printed Books and Manuscripts
Place your bid Condition report

A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.

I confirm that I have read this Important Notice regarding Condition Reports and agree to its terms. View Condition Report