16 - Morsicato Pallavicini, Giuseppe. *La scherma illustrata*. Palermo: d’Anselmo, 1670–73. First edition of one of the most important Italian treatises on fencing from the 17th century

Morsicato Pallavicini, Giuseppe. *La scherma illustrata*. Palermo: d’Anselmo, 1670–73. First edition of one of the most important Italian treatises on fencing from the 17th century Morsicato Pallavicini, Giuseppe. *La scherma illustrata*. Palermo, d’Anselmo, 1670–73. Two parts in one folio volume (325 x 230 mm); [8], 76; [8], 83, [1] pages. Two engraved frontispieces with a portrait of the author, title pages with two different chalcographic coats of arms, 67 half-page engravings depicting fencing scenes (woodworm damage on the first and last pages, a tear restored in the original style, sporadic stains.) Contemporary parchment binding, sprayed edges (serious defects and losses, very worn). Morsicato Pallavicini, a representative of the Neapolitan-Sicilian school of fencing, published this work focusing exclusively on the sword; he accompanied it with 31 splendid half-page engravings depicting nude fencers. The treatise cites Italian, German, and Spanish authors and reflects the influence of the “Verdadera Destreza,” a method of sword combat characterized by strong mathematical, philosophical, and geometric elements rooted in Renaissance culture. First edition of one of the most important Italian fencing treatises of the 17th century.