La Mirandola

In the center, within a scroll in the shape of a fluttering ribbon, the title: La Mirandola. Orientation provided on the sides by the initials of the cardinal points, with north on the right.

Example in the third state of four described in Bifolco/Ronca, with, at the bottom center, the publisher's signature: Henricus van Schoel formis.

The work represents the second siege of 1551. Allied with France, and therefore hostile to Rome, the citadel was besieged by Pope Julius III in July 1551. It is difficult to establish the dating of the plate, which could derive from the work of Bartélémy Bonhomme (Lyon, 1557) or be its model. The connection of this plate with the one depicting the siege of Parma in 1551, also anonymous (Bifolco/Ronca n. 1171), is evident. The two plates of approximately identical format, can be ascribed - for obvious stylistic reasons - to the same hand. Although he does not know the original issue - devoid of editorial indications and absolutely rare - Benevolo (1969) asserts that the map is an original by Salamanca later reprinted by Orlandi. This plate can be identified with the one included in the catalogue drawn up on behalf of Giacomo Gherardi's widow, Quintilia Lucidi, of 17-19 October 1598 (n. 44) where it is described as "la mirandola", engraved on the verso of "la Veronica". We can therefore assume that the original copperplate was acquired by Antonio Lafreri and inherited by Claudio Duchetti and finally by Gherardi. Giovanni Orlandi acquired the Duchetti plates collection through Quintilia Lucidi (deed of 25 June 1602) and reprinted the plate, adding his own signature. After 1614 is the edition by Hendrick van Schoel. Van Schoel’s plates were then sold to Francesco de Paoli, as documented in the inventory of the sale of 2 November 1633, who may have supervised a further print run.

A beautiful work, printed on contemporary laid paper with a watermark “anchor in the circle with star”, with margins, traces of glue on the back, otherwise in excellent condition.

Bibliografia

Bifolco-Ronca, Cartografia e Topografia Italiana del XVI secolo, p. 2240, tav. 1147, III/IV; Benevolo (1969): pp. 75-77, tav. XIII; Hellwig (1983): n. 108; Pagani (2012): p. 83; Pagani (2017): p. 47, C11 e p. 52; Tooley (1939): n. 397.