Ateret Zekenim, philosophical work on providence and prophesy by R. Yitzchak Abarbanel. Sabbioneta: Tuviah son of Eliezer Foa, 1556. First edition.
Rare copy (lacking and damaged), printed on blue paper. Other copies of this edition, printed on blue paper, are unknown to us (one known copy is printed on parchment).
Blue paper was introduced into Italian Hebrew printing early in the 16th century. Like parchment, it was used for preparing deluxe editions of books, which were printed in a limited number of copies for wealthy individuals (see: Brad Sabin Hill, Hebrew Printing on Blue and Other Coloured Papers, in: Otzrot Yaakov, Treasures of the Valmadonna Trust Library, London and New York, 2011, pp. 84 ff).
On title page, signature of censor "Domenico Gerosolimitano", dated 1599.
Incomplete and damaged copy. 36 leaves. Lacking last 8 leaves (37-40, [4] leaves). Approx. 20 cm. Fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Wear and creases. Worming in many places, affecting text and title frame. Some gatherings loose. Original binding, loose, worn and damaged.
