Alciati - Omnia Emblemata - 1581

Alciati Andrea

All of Andrea Alciati's Emblems, Volume V.

Antwerp - 1581 -
From the workshop of Christophorus Plantinus

(22), 782, (2) pages, illustrations.
In 80 - 17.5 x 11.5 cm.


One of the greatest and most influential examples of the genre of emblems.

Rare and esteemed Plantin edition of 1581, printed in Antwerp.

A specimen of the same edition sold a few days ago on CATAWIKI for €1810.

Considered one of the best editions for the illustrations by the celebrated German engraver.
Virgil Solis, each with different ornamental woodcut frames.

Contains 211 (complete) elegant emblems, in which
The emblem LXII, as editorially provided, printed without woodcut.

The work provides, in the woodcuts, important moral meanings, created especially for scholars and students of Greek and Latin classics.
The images are also commented on and expanded by Claude Mignault, a famous French scholar of the time, teacher of law, Greek and Latin literature in Paris and Reims.

Plantin transformed the aesthetics of the Renaissance book for this famous work into a baroque style of layout, organizing innovative typographic and decorative materials, and promoting illustration with copper engravings, combining visual appeal, readability, and effectiveness.

Each emblem consists of a symbolic image and a text that complements it.
to the illustration
Alciati, the inventor of the genre of the emblem, was inspired by proverbs, myths, and hieroglyphs of ancient historians, constructing a true figurative repertoire of images of ancient deities, symbols, and antiquarian vestiges from which painters, engravers, and goldsmiths could draw inspiration.

Rare and suggestive contemporary piece in Greek-inspired style, with elegant oval dry-pressed decorations and gold accents at the center of the plates.
Old amateur restoration on the spine with paper reinforcement, in addition to a handwritten paper label applied.
Small skin erosions on the back and near the cuffs, with abrasions on the hinges and the corners of the plates.
The connection is still solid and compact.

Interior spaces are quite well preserved, with minor and consistent browning that is not bothersome and does not hinder the regular consultation of text and engraving, reporting 211 splendid woodcuts.
Ancient ex libris manuscripts on the lower margin of the title page and on the recto of the front endpaper.
Contemporary guards preserved.
Present the contemporaneous blank letter **4, antecedent.
the beginning of the text
Repaired strap, intact and away.
from the paragraph, on pages 481/82 (sheet h).
Interesting ancient manuscript at the rear counterplate (see the last photo).

Good and evocative copy, complete and original in every part.

Settled. Complete.