Lot 205: SANQUIRICO, Allessandro (1777-1849). Sceniche decorazione inventate a eseguite pel Dramma serio L'Ultimo giorno di Pompei . N.p., n.d. [Milan, ca 1827].

SANQUIRICO, Allessandro (1777-1849). Sceniche decorazione inventate a eseguite pel Dramma serio L'Ultimo giorno di Pompei. N.p., n.d. [Milan, ca 1827].

Oblong 2υo (393 x 474 mm). Calligraphic title-page, tinted lithographic frontispiece, and 8 hand-colored lithographs by Carlo Sanquirico, Angelo Biassioli, Giulio Alvisetti after drawings by Allessandro Sanquirico. Contemporary green quarter morocco, green paper boards, gilt Greek key border (some light wear at corners, front cover slightly bowed).

A spectacular series of plates illustrating the set decorations designed by Alessandro Sanquirico for the 1827 production of Pacini's L'Ultimo Giorno di Pompei at La Scala in Milan. From 1817-1832, Sanquirico was the chief scenic artist at La Scala, and his work became notable for his use of exotic locations and neo-classical architecture in his set designs. These plates depict scenes from the opera, including the stage actions and costumes of the singers, and end with the dramatic eruption of Mount Vesuvius and the destruction of Pompeii. VERY FINE.