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Florence Carnival, 1565. Le Dieci Mascherate delle Bufole Mandate in Firenze il Giorno di Carnovale L'Anno 1565.
Florence: Giunti, 1566.
First edition, small octavo, woodcut printer's device to title page; bound in modern mottled paper-covered boards, small paper restoration to top outside corner of first four leaves, including the title page; 6 1/4 x 3 5/8 in.
The Medici-sponsored Carnival held in Florence in 1565 featured a procession of ten groups of masked celebrants each headed by a performer dressed as a water buffalo. The elaborate costumes worn by cardinals, princes, and other dignitaries were inspired by stories from antiquity, morality tales, and ancient Egyptian style. Later, all of the buffaloes had a race, followed by an all-night party complete with music, fireworks, dancing, and general carousing. This account of the event describes the costumes and festivities in great detail.
