[HERALDRY]. Illustrated heraldic manuscript concerning 150 noble families of the Venetian Republic and its territories. [Veneto, 1578-1585]. Fascinating heraldic manuscript listing nearly 150 families, each accompanied by a brief genealogical note and a painted coat of arms. The families, all associated with the Republic of Venice and its dominions, are arranged alphabetically from Balbi to Zorzi. On the first leaf appear both the lion of Saint Mark and the arms of the 87th Doge, Niccolò da Ponte, in office from 1578 to July 1585. The final two leaves show eight arms of European states of the period, dating the manuscript to the 1580s. Among them are the arms of Archduke Ferdinand II of Austria (r. 1564-1595) and Queen Elizabeth I of England (r. 1558-1603). 4to (205 x 150mm). 62 numbered leaves, first leaf with the lion of Saint Mark and the arms of Doge Niccolò da Ponte, approximately 200 finely drawn and contemporary coloured coats of arms, facing genealogical entries on opposite rectos (slightly trimmed, some browning). 18th-century binding, spine in marbled calf, red edges. (1)