Zeger Bernard van Espen - Jus Ecclesiasticum Universum e Supplementum - 1766-1769

ZEGER BERNARD VAN ESPEN – Jus Ecclesiasticum Universum – 11-Volume Seventeenth-Century Set (Settecenteschi) – 1766–1769

Important seventeenth- to eighteenth-century collection of canon law and ecclesiastical law, composed of 11 volumes in elegant uniform bindings, belonging to the monumental work by Zeger Bernard van Espen, with supplements. It offers a substantial set of 11 eighteenth-century volumes of the juridical-ecclesiastical works of Zeger Bernard van Espen (1646–1728), priest, jurist, and professor of canon law at the University of Leuven. Van Espen was one of the most important European canonists of his time. His writings, particularly influential in the debate on the relations between ecclesiastical authority and civil power, represent a significant testimony of legal and religious culture between the 16th and 18th centuries.

THE WORK

Jus Ecclesiasticum Universum, ancient and more recent discipline especially adapted to Belgium, France, Germany and neighboring provinces.

With:

Supplementum to various collections of works, including legal answers, epistles, tracts and documents.

The seventeenth- and eighteenth-century edition published at the expense of Antonio Cervoni, dated 1766–1769 for the main work and 1769 for the supplements. The title pages bear the Latin locality “Lovanii” (Leuven); the edition is bibliographically cataloged as a Neapolitan publication. The work addresses numerous aspects of ecclesiastical and canon law, including church discipline, ecclesiastical jurisdiction, councils, decrees, the relations between religious authority and civil power, and ecclesiastical legal practice.

LOT COMPOSITION – 11 VOLUMES

Jus Ecclesiasticum Universum:
Volumes I, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX and X.

Supplementum:
Volumes I and III.

Total: 11 physical volumes.

The reference edition includes 10 volumes of the main work and 3 volumes of supplements.

WARNING: the set is not complete. Missing are volume II of Jus Ecclesiasticum Universum and volume II of the Supplementum. The composition is expressly stated to enable an accurate assessment of the lot.

UNIFORM BINDINGS OF REMARKABLE VISUAL IMPACT

One of the most interesting elements of the set is the presence of 11 coordinated bindings, which give the collection a particularly homogeneous appearance. The volumes feature:
- Light spines with titles, author’s name and numbering printed in black.
- Elegant ornamental borders and geometric frames.
- Stiff boards covered in marbled paper in gray-blue and pink tones.
- Uniform format, suitable for display in a historical library.
- The set shows notable aesthetic continuity, despite gaps in numbering.

FRONTSPIECES AND TYPOGRAPHICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The frontispieces, in Latin, present an eighteenth-century typographic composition with type of various sizes, ornamental borders and publication indications. Some frontispieces show the use of red and black ink. Volume X contains the index of the main work, curated by Antonio D'Alterio.
Ancient handwritten numerical indications are also visible on some frontispieces.

CONDITION REPORT

Overall fair conditions, with flaws compatible with age and use. The bindings show stains, abrasions, rubbing and signs of wear, especially along the spines and edges. The photographed frontispieces display numerous and widespread foxing and brown stains, sometimes extensive, in addition to yellowing and other signs of time. The marbled boards show surface wear but retain a decorative, homogeneous appearance.

The photographs constitute an integral part of the description and document the actual condition of the volumes.

COLLECTOR INTEREST

A collection of particular interest to collectors of old books, scholars of canon law, the history of law, ecclesiastical history and European legal culture. The authority of the work, the antiquity of the edition, and especially the presence of 11 volumes in uniform bindings make the lot a significant testimony of eighteenth-century legal publishing.