1902 Scarce Giannini Hand-Painted Vellum Binding - The Divine Comedy of Dante Alighieri by Longfellow.

Author: DANTE ALIGHIERI (Translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow).
Title: THE DIVINE COMEDY OF DANTE ALIGHIERI translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Publisher: London, George Routledge & Sons, 1902.
Language: Text in English
Size: 8" X 6.5".
Pages: 760 pages with index.
Binding: Attractive, scarce, and fine hand-painted vellum binding finely bound and illuminated by the Giannini Family (hinges fine, original leather ties overall worn and scuffed - as shown, one tie repaired by a previous owner - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover. An exquisite hand-painted binding! 
Content: Very good content (bright, tight, and clean, rare light foxing - as shown, ex-libris of  Alice & Georg Waetjen from an original etching by Proch and printed by O. Felsing of Berlin on the first endpaper - as shown, small bookseller stamp from Brentano's on the last endpaper - as shown).
Illustrations: Complete with the frontispiece portrait of Henry W. Longfellow.

Estimate: (USD 1500 - USD 2000).

The book: The unique book’s hand-painted vellum binding, crafted by the renowned Giannini family, is a work of art in itself, featuring intricate details and decorations that reflect the sublime themes of Dante’s work.

The author: Durante degli Alighieri simply called Dante (c. 1265 – 1321), was a major Italian poet of the Late Middle Ages. His Divine Comedy, originally called Comedìa (modern Italian: Commedia) and later christened Divina by Boccaccio, is widely considered the greatest literary work composed in the Italian language and a masterpiece of world literature. It has been referred to as the greatest poem of the Middle Ages.

The binders: The Giannini family are truly artisans of a nearly forgotten craft. Originating from Florence, this family has been closely tied to the art of bookbinding since the 19th century. The Giannini workshop, known as "Legatoria Giannini," was established in 1856 by Pietro Giannini in the heart of Florence, just a stone's throw from the iconic Duomo.

Their reputation flourished due to their exquisite craftsmanship and the high quality of materials used, especially in creating hand-painted vellum bindings. Vellum, being a fine and durable parchment made from calfskin, provides an excellent canvas for hand painting, which was a hallmark of Giannini’s work. These bindings are not merely covers for the books; they are considered works of art, often reflecting the themes of the literature they encase.

The Gianninis were particularly noted for their innovative techniques and Renaissance-inspired designs that echoed Florence’s rich artistic heritage. The family's legacy in bookbinding is also marked by their personal connection to the works they bound. It was not just a business but a profound expression of their artistic passion, tying their craftsmanship closely with the literary and artistic currents flowing through Florence over the decades.