Title: Delle Allusioni, Imprese, et Emblemi del Signor Principio Fabricii da Teramo sopra la vita, opere, et attioni di Gregorio XIII pontefice massimo libri VI nei quali sotto l'allegoria del drago, arme del detto pontefice, si descrive anco la vera forma d'un principe christiano; et altre cose, la somma delle quali si legge doppo la dedicatione dell'opera all'illustrissimo et ecc.mo s. duca di Sora, 1588
Author: Principio Fabrizi
Publisher: Roma, Giacomo Ruffinelli
Condition: Very Good
A late 16th century, first and only edition of Fabrizi’s Delle Allusioni, Imprese, et Emblemi, an emblem book which he produced in response to Giacomo Boncompagni's request for a coat of arms which portrayed the family emblem of his father, Pope Gregory XIII, in a positive light. Fabrizi compiles numerous interpretations and meanings that could be attributed to the dragon, as well as negative portrayals as well.
There are 182 of 231 beautiful engravings throughout, the symbols all being drawn from the Bible, classical mythology, other emblematic imagery, and events and buildings of Pope Gregory XIII's reign as this was written shortly after his death, all with the dragon or serpent of his coat-of-arms. There are also several engravings depicting Bologna, his birthplace.
There are also an additional 14 of 18 full page engravings depicting the Trinity, Virtues, and other allegorical figures.
There is a bookplate for one A. Brölemann.
49 of the engravings are lacking, as are four of the allegorical full-page engravings.
Leaves F1-8, K1 & K2, K7, K8, L1-8, Q1-8 and R1-8 are lacking.
One vellum bound volume in quarto, (16)+328 of 400+(64) pages
This volume is in very good shape, with minor rubbing and old staining to the binding. The title page has been cropped at the head and foot with very slight loss, and the lower outer corner strengthened to the verso. There is minor fraying to the first few leaves, and some light staining and scattered soiling and spotting throughout, mostly to the margins.