DELLA PORTA, Giovan Battista (c.1538-1615) - De humana physiognomonia. Vico Equense: Giuseppe Cacchi, 1586. First edition of one of the earliest illustrated works on physiognomy, and of considerable influence on succeeding generations of scientists including Lavater. Good quality of the engravings and a fine copy. Folio (322 x 224mm). Frontispiece with portrait of the author, portrait of Cardinal Luigi d'Este the dedicatee, 85 engravings in text of which 4 full-page, woodcut initials, some historiated (some occasional light soiling, small repaired wormtrack at bottom margin of final leaf). 18th-century vellum, manuscript title at bottom edge and on spine label, marbled endpapers.

Estimate € 1,000 - 1,500

Sold € 2,200