De Rebus Alexandri Magni, Cum Commentario Perpetuo & Indice Absolutissimo Samuelis Pitisci. [History of Alexander the Great].

CURTIUS RUFUS, Quintus.

$2,000.00

Item Number: 131499

Utrecht: Apud Franciscum Halma, 1685.

Rare 17th century printing of Rufus’ celebrated history of Alexander the Great. Octavo, bound in full vellum, with engraved title, folding map and 9 engraved plates (some folding) depicting the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, a view of the ancient city, and a folding map of Alexander’s domain. In very good condition. Period ownership inscription.

Little is known about purported Roman historian Quintus Curtius Rufus, but that he authored a singular work: his Histories of Alexander the Great. The work enjoyed popularity in the High Middle Ages and provided the primary source material for the Alexander Romances which spilled over into the Renaissance, especially of Italy, where Curtius was idolized. Famed Italian painters, such as Paolo Veronese and Charles Le Brun, painted scenes from Curtius.