Description

SECOND EDITION AND FIRST COMPLETE EDITION of one of the most important works on emblems of the Renaissance.

Jean de Tournes published a first incomplete version in 1551, which included no text and only 118 emblems. This first complete version of 182 emblems is the first collection of heroic mottos ever publisheda few years ahead of Dialogo dell'imprese militari et amorose by Paolo Giovio, published in 1559 by Gvglielmo Roviglio. Paradin's highly influential work was translated several times and published in a much expanded edition by François d'Amboise in 1622.

The work, dedicated to Théodre de Marze, opens with a title page framed with grotesque figures and comprises 182 wood-engraved figures by Bernard Salomon (1506-1561), each surmounted by a Latin motto and followed by a commentary by Paradin. Famous Renaissance emblems include the salamander of François I, the porcupine of Louis XII, the marigold flower and the sun of Marguerite de Valois.

A copy with well contrasted engravings in an elegant full morocco binding from the early 20th century.

References : Cartier, no. 379; Landwehr, 564; Adams, P 291; Praz, p. 444; Mortimer, I, no. 410 (facsimile reproduction); Hoe, Emblems, p. 98; S. von Gültlingen, IX, no. 391; Brunet, IV, 358 ( Beautiful edition ) ; A. Saunders (ed.), Devises Heroïques. Aldershot, 1989, pp. 1-11 ( one of the most influential of the French books of emblems and devices...) ; A. Firmin-Didot, Essai typographique, Paris, 1863, p. 239.