Giovanni Andrea Abbanti Sold at Auction Prices

Barberini Family (family of Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644).- Abbanti (Giovanni Andrea, miniaturist and scribe, of Bologna, fl. c. 1612-60s) [Volume of examples of lettering and decoration illustrating …

Barberini Family (family of Pope Urban VIII, 1568-1644).- Abbanti (Giovanni Andrea, miniaturist and scribe, of Bologna, fl. c. 1612-60s) [Volume of examples of lettering and decoration illustrating Abbanti's mastery as a scribe], decorative calligraphic manuscript, in Italian, 160pp., in italic, gothic and roman hands, richly illustrated borders featuring the Barberini bee as well as other figurative decorations and abstract patterns, in colour, on paper, possibly lacking title? and 2 other leaves, first 10 leaves and front pastedown with damp-staining to upper margin, affecting but not obscuring text, many leaves stuck together with damp at point along upper or inner edge, initial leaves with small ink stain to lower margin, most leaves with show through from ink, in many places worn through entirely with acid damage, rendering c.24 leaves and pieces partially loose and 7 leaves with consequent loss of border sections, a little marginal browning, original stiff wrappers, covers a little creased and stained, spine chipped at binding stitching, edges and extremities worn but still durable, a remarkably bright and charming survival despite the flaws of age, 215 x 161mm., Bologna, 14th August 1630. ⁂ A 17th century Bolognese scribe's appeal for patronage in Rome. Giovanni Andrea Abbanti, an eighteen year old scribe, offers this "written example of a rough hand" in the hope of securing Barberini patronage so that "perhaps one day my pen may write of you". In 1630, the Barberini were at the zenith of their power, with Maffeo Barberini on the papal throne as Pope Urban VIII since 1623. Their famous bee symbol is prominent throughout the illustrations, while five dedicatory pages to different family members have more personalised imagery. Those addressed are: Costanza Magalotti Barberini (1575-1644), sister in law of Urban VIII (her husband, Carlo, died 26th February 1630, explaining his lack of inclusion); her three sons, Cardinal Francesco Barberini (1597-1679), possibly Taddeo Barberini (1603-47) - this page is blank of text, but the decorative borders feature ornate armour, perhaps a reference to Taddeo's military status as Gonfalionier of the Church, Commander of the Papal army, and the Barberini crest here appears without a Cardinal's galero - Cardinal Antonio Barberini (1607-71), and Costanza's brother, Cardinal Lorenzo Magalotti (1584-1637). Referencing the "devoted service" of his uncle Giovanni in the household of Costanza Magalotti Barberini, Abbanti professes his own desire to serve the family. Certainly the manuscript well exhibits his penmanship - not only as a calligraphist and scribe, but perhaps also his aspirations as author, with inclusion of several short poems and bon mots to which he has added his own name. Whether or not Abbanti was successful in obtaining the Barberini's patronage is difficult to say. However, his career seems to have developed as an active and respected miniaturist, and material in archives in Bologna place him as working in this city in the 1660s.