La Scherma Illustrata Composta da Giuseppe Morsicato Pallavicini Palermitano, Maestro di Scherma. Per La Di Cui Teorica, E Prattica Si Puo Arrivare con faciltà alla difesa, ed offesa necessaria, nel occasioni d'assalti nemici, Opera utilissima alle persone che si dilettano di questa professione, Con le Figure della Scienza prattica, dichiarate co i loro discorsi.
[Add. engr. t.-pl., t.p., dedic.] - L'Autore A Chi Legge - [Privilege] - [Text, with 31 illus.]. - Vol. II: [Add. engr. t.-pl., t.p., dedic.] - A Chi Legge - [Text, with 36 illus.].
Responsibility Note
The added engraved title-plates are signed as engraved by Dominico Ferruccio. None of the numbered figures is signed. The title-page vignette of Volume I is signed as designed by Joseph Morsicati and engraved by Dominico Ferruccio; that of the Seconda Parte is unsigned.
The first part is dedicated by the author to Francesco Statella, Et Caruso Marchese Di Spaccafurno; the second, by the author to Girolamo Del Carretto E Branciforte, Conte Di Racalmuto E Principe Di Ventimiglia &c.
References
On fencing history see H.W. Pardoel, Fencing: a bibliography (after 1996); M. Bower, Foil fencing (1993); E. Castle, Schools and masters of fence (1892; 3rd. ed. 1969).
Summary Note
The title-page of the second volume reads, 'La Seconda Parte Della Scherma Illustrata, Ove Si Dimostra Il Vero Maneggio Della Spada, E Pugnale, & anco il modo come si adopera la Cappa, il Borchiero, e la Rotella di notte, le quali regole non sono state intese da nessuno Autore. Composta Da Giuseppe Morsicato Pallavicini, Maestro Di Scherma palermitano. In Palermo, Per Domenico d'Anselmo. M.DC.LXXIII. Imp. Cuzolimnus G. & V.G. Imp. R. Ioppulus P.'
Each of the numbered figures shows two men fencing; those in the first part are naked, most of those in the second are clothed in 17th-century dress. The design of the added engraved title-plates shows a figure bearing a shield inscribed 'Veritas Vincit', treading down a figure inscribed 'Invidia, Ignorancia, Malitia', and incorporates a portrait of the author. The title-page vignettes each show a different coat of arms.
Reproductions
A microfilm of this work was made for the British Library in 1994 (Neg. PB.Mic.36186).
Provenance
Acquired between 1769 and 1802. Recorded in RAA Library, Catalogue, 1802.
Copy Note
Page 16 of Part II carries an English marginal inscription in pencil by an unknown hand.
Binding Note
17th-century calf; rebacked in 1988 by A. Wessely, black morocco spine-label lettered 'La Scherma Mustrata'.
Subject
Fencing - Fencers - Swordplay - Swordsmen - Combat - Martial arts - Sports - Techniques - Italy - Sicily - History - 17th century
Manuals - Italy - 17th century
Sporting prints - Pictorial works - Italy - 17th century