Breviarium Romanum - 1718

Rare 1718 Breviarium Romanum (Pars Aestiva) - Ex Typographia Plantiniana (Antwerp) - Original Tooled Leather Binding, Full-Page Copper Engravings & Unique German Kurrentschrift Manuscript EntryDescription: An exceptional and highly collectible liturgical volume: Breviarium Romanum (Pars Aestiva), printed in 1718 (M.DCC.XVIII) in the historic printing capital of Antwerp by the prestigious Ex Typographia Plantiniana (Plantin-Moretus press) Plantin-Moretus Museum. This monumental 300+ year-old book perfectly captures the peak of European Counter-Reformation book art, high-end ecclesiastic typography, and historical binding craftsmanship.
Technical Details & Features:Year of Publication: 1718.
Printer/Publisher: Ex Typographia Plantiniana, Antwerp.
Language: Latin.
Typography & Rubrication: Magnificent two-color printing (rubricated in contrasting deep red and black ink). Exceptionally clean, crisp, and sharp execution typical of the Plantin press luxury standard. Includes the fully intact introductory Liturgical Calendar (January/Ianuarius) featuring traditional systems for calculating movable feasts (Epacts, Dominical Letters, and Roman Kalends).Vatican Authorization: Includes the official papal decree at the back, signed by Vatican officials (M. A. Maraldus and I. Savenier) under Pope Clement XI, complete with a rare original red ink administrative control stamp/seal acting as a hallmark of ecclesiastical authenticity.
Artistic & Iconographic Highlights:Full-Page Copper Engravings (Calcografia): Features beautiful, high-contrast, full-page copper plate engravings showcasing a masterful control of chiaroscuro and Baroque linework:The Holy Trinity (Sanctissima Trinitas) sitting enthroned upon the clouds, facing the Proprium de Tempore.
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Assumptio), depicting her dynamic ascension above the awestruck Apostles gathered around the empty tomb.Historiated Initials: Adorned with multiple detailed woodcut/copper-engraved initial letters, including a circular initial 'O' depicting the Trinity and a fine initial 'D' illustrating King David playing his harp (opening Psalm 109, Dixit Dominus).
Unique Provenance & Manuscript Artifact: The flyleaf contains a well-preserved, highly poetic handwritten dedication in archaic German written in Kurrentschrift cursive script using authentic 18th/19th-century iron gall ink. It documents a solemn family message dedicated to a young noblewoman („adelich jungfräulich Sprosse”) entering holy vows or monastic life („den Kranz, der ewigen heiligen Kirche”), asking her to remember her family's house and sacrifice („vor Ihr Opfer”) in her daily prayers. This unique handwritten addition turns this specific volume into an absolute unicum for social history and manuscript collectors.
Condition Report & Binding: Bound in its original 18th-century dark brown calf leather binding.
Spine features 5 prominent raised bands (nervures) decorated with elegant, partially faded gold-tooled elements. The spine retains its original gold-stamped initials P. Æ. (Pars Aestiva / Summer Part). Solid structural text block, tight hinges. Pages show a gorgeous natural age-patina with broad margins. Minor craquelure/surface cracking to the dry leather, slight rubbing to the corners, and minor loss of material at the spine caps consistent with over three centuries of preservation, but overall remaining in very good and highly collectible condition.