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Mediolani ( Milano ) , apud Haer. q. Pacifici Pontii , Typis Archiepisc., 1636, in-folio, 29,5 x 20 cm, (28) nn pp + 183 pp + (3)pp + 84 engravings ( title vignette + 3 dedication plates + 4 seasons + 16 portraits + 44 emblems). (Complete). Bound in contemporary supple vellum, spine with two small tears, vellum generally a bit dustsoiled. Interior very fine. With a manuscript presentation inscription '' Josepho Laurentio amoris ergô Auctor D.D. 1644''. This richly illustrated book is a religious emblem book as well as a funeral book, dedicated to the memory of Cesare Monti, cardinal and archbishop of Milan ; an allegorical biography of a prince of the church and a memorial to him and members of his family. The illustrations include 44 emblems ( oval or rectangular vignettes within wide borders of flowers or fruit, or angels, each frame a different design ). The 16 allegories are larger pictures, representing the virtues, surrounded by grotesques, fabulous animals and baroque ornaments. They symbolize ideas such as The Search for Peace, Civil Prudence, Magnanimity, Charity, Wisdom, Justice, Innocence, etc. Four large full-page plates show the Four Seasons, Spring with flowers, Summer with corn, Fall with grapes, and Winter in a fur coat, carrying a brazier. The four seasons also represent the periods of Monti's life. The 16 portraits complete the picture of the family. The text includes poems and epigrams in Latin, Italian and Greek. The designs are by Giovanni Paolo Bianchi (ca. 1590 - 1654). Praz p. 199 and 279, with reproduction on p. 200; Autori Italiani del Seicento, no. 254: "bella edizione originale, splendidamente illustrata"; Berlin Ornamentstich Cat. no. 4551. N° de réf. du vendeur 42793
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