[xx], 112, [12]; [1] (blank), [xiv], [2], 62 pp. (a4, é2, í4, A-O4, [P1], Q2, R4; a4, é2, í2, a-h4). Illustrated with copper-engravings, including 2 portraits, 2 engraved titles, head- & tail-pieces, ornamental initials, numerous in-text diagrams & cuts (19 of which are after Nicholas Poussin, the others by Pierfrancesco Alberti). (Folio) 16½x11, modern half- morocco & cloth, raised bands, gilt-ruled compartments, gilt-lettered spine. First Edition.

Rare first edition in the original Italian of perhaps the most important treatise ever published on the art of drawing, much scarcer than the French language edition which was came out the same year. Published some 132 years after Leonardo's death, the work showcases Da Vinci's theories on perspective, light, art of drawing, etc. Complete with the rear blank h4, as well as the interior blank R4.