First edition of an important catalogue of a collection of antiquities formed by the Italian entrepreneur and dealer in ancient artifacts, Giuseppe Passalacqua (1797-1865) at Trieste. While it is neither an auction catalogue nor a priced sale catalogue, Passalacqua produced it with the sale of the collection in mind, and exhibited the artifacts in the Galerie dAntiquites Égyptiennes in the new Passage Vivienne in Paris, now an historical monument. The spectacular display made it an international attraction, visited by many leading figures, including the future King Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia. Passalacqua had hoped to sell the collection en bloc to the French government, but they declined. It had made a great impression on Friedrich Wilhelm, however, who bought the bulk of it in 1828 for Berlins new Altes Museum, where it still forms the core of their collection. After buying it, he appointed Passalacqua curator of the museum. The catalogue was innovative in its thematic arrangement and includes notes and articles on the objects by many distinguished scholars in addition to those by Passalacqua himself.
From the library of Swedish antiquarian bookdealer Björn Löwendahl (1941-2013). Some foxing throughout, particularly at beginning and end. Small water stain affecting one plate and the lower corner of the last portion of text. Blackmer 1264.