La Divina Commedia. Amos Nattini. Officine Dell'istituto Nazionale Dantesco, Milano, 1931-1941

Alighieri Dante. Nattini Amos. La Divina Commedia. Immagini di Amos Nattini. Officine dell'istituto nazionale dantesco, Milano, 1931-1941. 3 volumes

First edition in italian language

First edition of the largest Divine Comedy ever printed, issued in three volumes (Inferno, Purgatorio, Paradiso). The project was promoted by the Italian Dante Institute (commissioned in 1921) and completed between the 1920s and 1940s; the edition is frequently described as “the largest Divine Comedy ever printed.” Copy no. 502, prepared for Biagio Borriello, from the deluxe limited edition of 1,000 numbered copies. Biagio Borriello was an Italian shipping entrepreneur and politician, active primarily in Naples during the first half of the twentieth century. Illustrated by the painter Amos Nattini (1892-1985). Nattini began work on the illustrations for the Inferno in 1919 and, encouraged by prominent figures of the time, including D’Annunzio, continued the undertaking over the following twenty years. He produced 100 colour lithographic plates, one for each canto. Three atlas folio volumes (32,28×25,59in). Engraved text (copperplate), printed in two columns within ornamental borders; the typeface is often described as being “in gold”. Original calf bindings in varying tones corresponding to each cantica (darker for the Inferno, lighter for the Purgatorio, and pale for the Paradiso), each upper and lower cover centred with a different lighter-toned leather bas-relief designed by Nattini. Spine fitted with metal bosses and clasps. Complete copy, including the final two cantos of the Paradiso. In 1941, the printing works were destroyed during wartime bombing. After the war, subscribers were contacted and offered completion of their sets, although not all proceeded for various reasons. Restoration to the front joint of the Inferno volume. Breaks to the fastening straps. A genuine and well preserved copy.

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

Private collection

Restoration to the front joint of the Inferno volume. Breaks to the fastening straps. A genuine and well preserved copy.