De servis et Eorum apud Veteres Ministeriis, Commentarius, In quo familia, tum erbana, tum rustica, ordine producitur & illustratur

Rare first edition, illustrated with 6 full-page figures and 21 vignettes. Printer's device on title page, with pine tree. The plates depict musical instruments, jewelry, kitchen utensils
Modern full vellum binding with ties. Smooth unlettered spine. Label on last endpaper: Restored by Serge Valeri, Ville-Sous-Anjou, 2018. From p. 10, trace of pale dampstain to upper corner of pages, and sometimes at bottom, these stains fading then reappearing on paper that is overall very fresh. Good copy.
Important study of slavery and domestic family life in Antiquity. The work contains the duties, charges and legal status of slaves and servants in daily life, notably gladiators, musicians, actors, tax collectors and artisans. Pignoria's work constitutes an interesting insight into laborious existence within families during Antiquity. A short essay by Doctor Fabricius on food and addressed to Marcus Walser closes the work. This is one of the best ancient treatises on the subject.