Limited Edition Beautifully Illustrated Study of Michelangelo's Frescoes in the Sistine Chapel

Frederick Hartt (text); Takashi Okamura (photographs). THE SISTINE CHAPEL. (2) volumes (complete). New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1991. Limited edition; no. 1085 out of 2500 copies; stated First English-Language Edition. Tan linen-covered boards with Michelangelo's facsimile signature on the cover, gilt-lettered red morocco spine labels; in matching slipcase with pictorial labels. Folio; 371, [1]; 375, [1]pp. With commentary on the plates by Gianluigi Colalucci, and note on the restoration by Fabrizio Mancinelli. Profusely illustrated with folding, full-page, and in-text color reproductions of Okamura's photos.

Each volume 17 1/8 x 12 3/8 in.; In slipcase 17 1/2 x 12 1/2 x 4 3/4 in.

Contributors to the book were a part of the ceiling's restoration team in the 1980s and 1990s, including Fabrizio Colalucci who oversaw the project, restorer Gianluigi Colalucci, and Takashi Okamura who recorded the process through photos.

Volumes with expected minor separation from text block, and one volume with subtle toning to spine and bowing to boards; beautiful interiors with only occasional very light wear including some folded corners, one light mark, and one spot of finger grime; slipcase with some edge wear, slight bowing, one mild stain, and light scratching and denting to labels. Very good to near fine volumes in a very good slipcase.