Lot 08024

FABRICIUS Principius Pope Gregory XIII. “Delle allusioni, imprese, et emblemi … sopra la vita, opere, et attioni di Gregorio XIII Pontefice Massimo libri VI”, Rome, Bartolomeo Grassi [colophon: Iacobo Ruffinello], 1588.

FIRST EDITION. Small 4to (24x17cm), pp. 400 + index. With engraved title page, 6 (of the 18) full-page engravings and all the 231 emblematic engravings in text.

The main motif of the emblematic plates is the Dragon, the coat of arms of Pope’s Gregory XIII family of the house of Buoncompagno. These  emblem subjects are inspired from the bible, mythology, events and buildings of Pope Gregory XIIIs reign that provide information on a range of Gregory XIII’s commissions including buildings, palaces and ritual processions. Also included several views of Bologna (his birthplace), Rome, Jerusalem and Campagna landscapes.

Contemporary vellum, soiled and worn along edges. Ex-Libris label on pastedown “A: LANNA” and contemporary ex-libris handwritten inscription “Ex Libris Caroli Josephi Dormer ???” on verso of the engraved title page.

Interior: some pages with holes, trimmed edges & tears, 2 sheets detached, water-stain mainly to the last 1/3 of the book,  light damp-staining and spotting. Please inquire for a full condition report.

Collated with the copy  from Duke University Libraries, Emblem Books, Duke University Libraries

Brunet II 1151, Graesse II 542