Alighieri Dante. La Divina Commedia. Immagini Di Amos Nattini. Milano, 1931-1941

Alighieri Dante (1265 - 1321). La Divina Commedia. Immagini di Amos Nattini. Officine dell'istituto nazionale dantesco, Milano, 1931-1941

First edition in italian language

First edition of the largest Divina Commedia ever printed. A project promoted by the Istituto Nazionale Dantesco (commissioned in 1921) and completed between the 1920s and 1940s; often described as the largest Divine Comedy ever printed. Copy no. 854 for Giorgio Enrico Falck, from a luxury edition limited to 1,000 numbered copies. Giorgio Enrico Falck (Dongo, 12 May 1866 – Sanremo, 12 January 1947) was an Italian industrialist and politician. In 1906, he founded the joint-stock company Acciaierie e Ferriere Lombarde Falck. On 2 June 1934 he was appointed senator, holding office until his referral on 7 August 1944, on charges of having supported Fascism and made the war possible through his actions. Illustrations by the painter Amos Nattini (1892–1985). Nattini began creating the illustrations for the Inferno in 1919. Encouraged by many leading figures of the time, including Gabriele D’Annunzio, he continued the undertaking for the next twenty years, producing 100 color lithographic plates (one for each canto). Three volumes in folio atlantico (32,28×25,59in). Text engraved on copper and printed in two columns within a decorative border; the type is often described as “in gold.” Original calf bindings in different shades (darker for Inferno, lighter for Purgatorio, pale for Paradiso), each cover—front and back—centred with a different low-relief in lighter leather designed by Nattini. Spines with metal bosses and clasps. This copy includes the final two cantos of the Paradiso. In 1941, the printing works were destroyed by bombing. After the war, subscribers were contacted and offered completion of the work, but not all accepted, for various reasons. Covers of Inferno and Purgatorio somewhat worn. Some sheets with creases. Breaks to the closure straps. Overall, a genuine and well-preserved copy.

Folio atlantico (32,28×25,59in). Three volumes.

Private collection

Covers of Inferno and Purgatorio somewhat worn. Some sheets with creases. Breaks to the closure straps. Overall, a genuine and well-preserved copy.