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Hieroglyphica sive de sacris Aegyptiorum literis commentarii, Basle: Michel Isengrin, 1556.
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VALERIANO BOLZANO, Giovanni Pierio (1477-1558)
Hieroglyphica sive de sacris Aegyptiorum literis commentarii, Basle: Michel Isengrin, 1556.
First edition of the first Renaissance dictionary of symbols and hieroglyphs. The discovery of a manuscript of Horapollo’s Hieroglyphica in the 1420s stimulated interest in symbolism, especially in humanist circles which culminated in Valeriano’s comprehensive treatment of symbols, emblems, allegory, the interpretation of images and ancient texts. It quickly became the chief sourcebook for art and literature throughout the 16th and 17th centuries. The fine series of woodcuts provides additional source material. Each of its 60 books is dedicated to a famous Renaissance figure, such as Vittoria Colonna, Jacopo Sadoleto, et al.. Adams V-50; Landwehr German 614.
Folio (330 x 210mm). Printer's device on title and final verso, full-page woodcut of the author within border by T. Stimmer on title verso, 245 woodcut illustrations, historiated initials, Greek and roman types (occasional faint dampstain, small spot in 3 leaves, author portrait just shaved, quires D and E reversed in binding). Contemporary German blindstamped pigskin over wooden boards, sides panelled with rolltools, 2 fore-edges clasps, title written on fore-edges, later paper spine label (a little worn with small loss of leather, without flyleaves). Provenance: occasional contemporary annotation – 18th-century stamp partly erased from title.
Hieroglyphica sive de sacris Aegyptiorum literis commentarii, Basle: Michel Isengrin, 1556.
First edition of the first Renaissance dictionary of symbols and hieroglyphs. The discovery of a manuscript of Horapollo’s Hieroglyphica in the 1420s stimulated interest in symbolism, especially in humanist circles which culminated in Valeriano’s comprehensive treatment of symbols, emblems, allegory, the interpretation of images and ancient texts. It quickly became the chief sourcebook for art and literature throughout the 16th and 17th centuries. The fine series of woodcuts provides additional source material. Each of its 60 books is dedicated to a famous Renaissance figure, such as Vittoria Colonna, Jacopo Sadoleto, et al.. Adams V-50; Landwehr German 614.
Folio (330 x 210mm). Printer's device on title and final verso, full-page woodcut of the author within border by T. Stimmer on title verso, 245 woodcut illustrations, historiated initials, Greek and roman types (occasional faint dampstain, small spot in 3 leaves, author portrait just shaved, quires D and E reversed in binding). Contemporary German blindstamped pigskin over wooden boards, sides panelled with rolltools, 2 fore-edges clasps, title written on fore-edges, later paper spine label (a little worn with small loss of leather, without flyleaves). Provenance: occasional contemporary annotation – 18th-century stamp partly erased from title.
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