Title: Omnia Andreae Alciati emblemata cum commentaris, quibus emblematum omnium aperta origine, mens auctoris explicatur, et obscura omnia dubiaque illustrantur per Claudium Minoem divisionsem, 1581(?)
Author: Andrea Alciati; Claude Mignault
Publisher: Antverpiae, Christophorus Plantinus
Condition: Very Good
A late 16th century edition of Alciati’s Emblemata, being the first and most widely disseminated emblem book, based upon the compilation of manuscripts and Latin Poems that Alciati had dedicated to his to his friend Conrad Peutinger, and circulated to his acquaintances. The emblem book was first printed in 1531, under the title Viri Clarissimi D. Andreae Alciati Iurisconsultiss. Mediol. Ad D. Chonradum Peutingerum Augustanum, Iurisconsultum Emblematum Liber. It was soon followed by a 1534 edition authorized by Alciati, under the title of Andrea Alciati's Little Book of Emblems. The word itself, "emblemata" is a plural of the Greek word "emblema", meaning a piece of inlay or mosaic, or an ornament.
Alciati’s Emblemata grew to include over 200 individual emblems and has since then appeared in hundreds of editions, and birthing thousands of imitations and successors in all the languages of Europe. Whether they were religious, romantic, or of a third sort in nature, emblem books became an integral part of European culture for the next two centuries. There are 210 of 211 emblems and illustrations throughout (196 emblems + 14 illustrations of trees). The illustrations of trees and colored by hand. Added are the notes of Alciati’s Emblemata by Claude Mignault.
The title and pages 363-364 are lacking.
One finely bound volume in 12mo, 782 pages
This volume is in very good shape, with minor rubbing and staining to the binding. Pages 241 to 244 are more heavily stained, with some restoration to pages 563-564. There is some foxing and light staining throughout.