Facsimile edition of the catalogue of books, prints, and drawings in the collection of Nicodemus Tessin the Younger, originally published in 1712. It is the first volume in the series Nicodemus Tessin the Younger. Sources, Works, Collections Graphic design.
In addition to his position as one of the great architects of his time, Nicodemus Tessin the Younger (1654-1728) also plays an important role as collector.
His collection of prints and drawings, to a large extent preserved in the Nationalmuseum and the Swedish Royal Library, is one of the major sources of knowledge of European baroque architecture.
The Catalogue du cabinet des beaux arts, originally published by Tessin in 1712, provides an image of the richness and variety of the collection.
The introductory section on general architecture (including five editions of Vitruvius) is followed by sections on subjects such as garden architecture, interior design, mechanics, classical antiquity and prints of the works of prominent painters. The final section, listing more than a thousand illustrated descriptions of royal festivities and ceremonies, shows the great importance attached to this aspect of the court architect's activity. This facsimile edition of the catalogue contains comments and an index of artists and authors.
Text in English