Vosmeer - Comtes de Hollande et Zelande - 1583

Vosmeer (Vosmerus) Michael

The lives and alliances of the Counts of Holland and Zeeland, lords of Frisia.

Antwerp - 1583 -
Christofle Plantin for Philippe Galle

82 pages.
Sign: A2 B-L4

In folio - 29 x 20 cm.

Rare first French edition Plantin,
Translated from the Latin edition of 1578.
BRUNET V, 1373.

The Latin poems by Vosmerus that accompany the portraits have been translated, or rather paraphrased, by N. Clement de Treles, secretary to Francis, Duke of Anjou and
of Alençon.

Splendid specimen, COMPLETE with all 37 illustrations, and enhanced by a rare contemporary binding, blind-embossed on parchment.

In this first French edition, a 37th plate has been added, depicting the Duke Francesco (who in 1582 had replaced
Philip II as sovereign of the Netherlands), with a new French accompanying poem by de Treles
(at the side of the incision).

The dedication by de Treles to Ortelios, on December 9, 1582 (L3v, last letter on the verso), explains the genesis of the translation:
You asked me the day before yesterday, Mr. Ortel,
to translate into French the Latin Epigrams written on the lives, deeds, and portraits of the Counts of Holland and Zeeland, in order to suit Philippe Galle, our mutual friend…

The typographic part was printed by Plantin for Philippe Galle, who supplied and printed the copper plates and was, in fact, the publisher.

On pages 78/81, the list of the 37 accounts appears.
of Holland and Zealand depicted in the work,
with splendid, expansive, and highly detailed portraits of the nobility of the era, featuring details that highlight the fashion of the period.
The portraits depict a variety of costumes, including knights, nobles, women, and children, who lived on land.
‘de Hollande et Zelande’, in chronological order of placement, from 903 to 1549.

Beautiful allegorical representation on the frontispiece, which symbolizes the Netherlands, although critics contend that it is the portrait of Kenau Simonsdochter Hasselaer, the legendary defender of Harlem during the War of the
Eighty years.
The engraving, attributed to Galle, bears the privilege.
(1578—see frontispiece photo), which will be removed in subsequent editions.

Splendid and fascinating binding, strictly contemporary, in full semi-rigid parchment, with boards framed by a double filet incised blind in a border, bearing 4 fleurons at the corners.
Elegant and refined dry-etched decoration in an oval, at the center of the plates.
Five lacing cords running along the spine, still present, with a manuscript, probably contemporary, bearing a title, somewhat faded.

Well-preserved interiors, with fairly fresh wallpaper, even if slightly browned.
Good condition of the frontispiece and the 37 engravings, elegant and very well inked, large engravings (20.5 x 12 cm), numbered from 1 to 37.
Interesting manuscripts, probably contemporaneous, to the front counterplate.
Original guards preserved.

Excellent and evocative copy, complete and original in every aspect.
COLLATED. COMPLETE