[MALTA - SIENA] Letter written by Rome...for the glorious exaltation of the Eminentiss. Marcantonio Zondadari at the Grand Magisterium of the Gerosolimitana Religion. Rome: Tinassi, 1720 An 18th-century commendation report describing the celebrations in Siena for the election of Grand Master of the Hospitallers of Marc'Antonio Zondadari. The Master belonged to an ancient Sienese family and great-grandson of Pope Alexander VII. Formed between Parma and Naples with the intent of entscarenell'Ordine of Malta, he began a rapid career that led him to the command of a prison and to the conferment of three guests. In 1701 he became Master of Chamber and Grand Master Ramon Perellos y Roccaful; head of the Maltese Navy, he effectively reorganized its structures and finances, obtaining the Grand Cross and, in 1712, the position of ambassador to Clement XI. Elected Grand Master in 1720, he restored the discipline of the Order, strengthened the fortifications, promoted trade and reorganized the defensive system of the island. At his death (1722) he was buried in the cathedral of San Giovanni a La Valletta, in a monument of Massimiliano Soldani Benzi, while his heart was transferred to Siena. Letter written by Rome to Francesco Piccolomini in Siena describing the solemn Feasts celebrated by the Inclita Nazione Sanese for the glorious exaltation of the Eminentiss. Marcantonio Zondadari at the Grand Magisterium of the Gerosolimitana Religion of St. John. Rome: Tinassi, 1720. 4to, (220 x 160mm) Antiporta with portrait of Zondadari, table depicting the triumphal arch erected for the occasion, papal vignette at the frontispiece, heraldic coat of arms, four large cartoons on half a page (Lieve ma diffuda gora d'acqua). Coeval bonding in full parchment with manuscript title on the back (embarkation). (1)