In beautiful contemporary French morocco binding by Macé Ruette. Covers double gilt ruled with second panel incorporating semi circles on each side. Gilt fleurons to corners of the inner panel. Inlaid brown morocco centre-piece within a central arabesque of finely worked scrolled and pointillé tooling. Spine has five raised bands, double gilt ruled in compartments wit a fleuron of gilt pointillé tools at centres. Edges gilt ruled. Dentelles gilt. 12mo. 447pp. All edges gilt. Lacks title page. Contarini's work, De magistratibus et republica venetorum, praises the Venetian government system for its harmony, fairness, and stability. He describes the electoral process, particularly the lottery system for choosing officials, emphasizing fairness and equality. Contarini's depiction of the Doge, Venice's leader, highlighted the balance between symbolic monarchy and the power of civic institutions. He portrays the Doge as both a regal figure and a representative of the city's republican governance. Contarini's writings aimed to glorify the republican nature of Venice while showcasing its ceremonial and symbolic elements.