Cunaeus - [JUDAIKA] De Republyk der Hebreen - 1683-1701

[JUDAICA]

Petrus Cunaeus
De Republik der Hebreen, of Gemeenebest der Joden.

1683-1701, 4 volumes, Dutch

Rare! Numerous, predominantly fold-out plates.

The book De Republik der Hebreen, of Gemeenebest der Joden by Petrus Cunaeus, published between 1683 and 1701, is one of the most important politically-theological works of the Dutch early Enlightenment. In this edition, the richly and extraordinarily elaborately designed copper-engraved apparatus impresses, its full completeness rarely preserved. Numerous, partly large-format and repeatedly fold-out copper engravings illustrate the religious, social, and ritual life of ancient Judaism in superb craftsmanship.

Among the engravings there are depictions of Bible scenes and priestly rituals as well as representations of the Temple service, the Ark of the Covenant, and cultic vessels. Particularly noteworthy are the allegorical representations of ancient Near Eastern cults and idol images – including depictions of Molech and other deities, which in early modern theology were associated with occult practices and acts of sacrifice. This iconographic diversity expands the work far beyond a mere theological treatise into a culturally historical panorama of the religious symbolism of antiquity.

The plates come from renowned copperplate engravers of the Dutch school, whose finely executed line work and sense of composition place the scenes in an aesthetic proximity to the great Bible editions of the 17th century. Content-wise, Cunaeus combines ancient sources, rabbinic traditions, and humanist political philosophy to interpret the Israelite community as a religious-moral ideal.

Early Dutch editions of this work in this format are extraordinarily rare – especially those with a complete set of copper plates and well-preserved printing quality. An impressive example of baroque scholarly art, uniting theology, politics, and symbolism in unusually cohesive fashion.

17 x 11 cm, parchment binding of the period. 4 volumes. 495 + 556 + 558 + 466 pages. Inside slightly browned. Some worming in places. Overall otherwise very well preserved. Richly illustrated with many full-page, mostly fold-out plates. Also included is the large folding plate with the plan of the Temple in Jerusalem.