Beschreibung:

Statuti del secro monte della pietà di Roma, rinovati nell'anno Mdcclxvii. [Bolle e privelegi del sacro monte della pietà di Roma ]. Rome: Alla Stamperia Ermateniana [1767]. 2 works in one volume, 4° (295 x 202mm). First work with engraved frontispiece and plate, title vignette; second work has engraved plate by Van Westerhout and title vignette. CONTEMPORARY ROMAN BINDING BY THE VATICAN BINDERY FOR CARDINAL GIOVANNI ANGELO BRASCHI. Red morocco gilt, roll-tooled rocaille border on sides, surrounding leafy branches emanating from vases at corners, interspersed with small stars, the Cardinal's large arms within a cartouche of leafy sprays and floral tools, his hat supported by two putti, spine with five raised bands in compartments, gilt with rocaille tools and acorn sprays, gilt edges. This handsome binding was executed for Giovanni Angelo Braschi (1717-99, pope Pius VI 1775-99), while treasurer of the Apostolic Chamber and one of the four ex-officio governors ("provisori") of the Monte di Pietà of Rome. His arms appear on the first frontispiece. AN IMPORTANT WORK IN THE HISTORY OF BANKING. The Monte del Pietà was founded by Pope Paul II, as a bank lending money against pledges, but at the same time as a charitable congregation making loans without charging interest. The system was changed under Pope Clement XIII in 1767, resulting in the above volume. This finely produced work was privately printed and its distribution restricted to the institution's officials, who on election were given a copy on loan which had to be returned to the archivist.