De templo et coenobio sanctorum Bonifacii et Alexii historica moumenta

First edition illustrated with 13 plates out of text (archaeological pieces, views, plans and perspectives), several of which are folding, notably the famous image of Our Lady of Edessa. Title page in red and black, with a vignette bearing the arms of Cardinal Quirini.
Contemporary limp vellum binding. Smooth spine. Gilt vellum title-label. 2 corners slightly bumped and worn. Blue library stamp on endpapers and title: Convent of Saint Maximin.
Monograph on the basilica of Saint Boniface and Alexis in Rome, on the Aventine Hill. At the time when architect Tommasso de Marchis was commissioned to rebuild the church, Nerini composed this work on its origins and history. The origin of the basilica dates back to the 4th century, when a first sanctuary was built on the tomb of Saint Boniface. In 977, the church was entrusted to Sergius of Damascus, who is considered the introducer of the cult of Alexis. As the introduction shows, Nerini planned to write a second volume on the modern history of the building, but this never saw the light of day.
The volume begins with a neo-Latin poem by Fabio Devoti written in homage to Nerini and Cardinal Quirini.