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[HOLY LAND] VILLALPANDO, JUAN BAPTISTA. In Ezechielem explanationes et apparatus urbis, ac templi Hierosolymitani. Rome: Car...

[HOLY LAND] VILLALPANDO, JUAN BAPTISTA. In Ezechielem explanationes et apparatus urbis, ac templi Hierosolymitani. Rome: Carolus Vulliettus, 1596 [colophon 1604]; 1604 [colophon 1605]; 1604 [colophon dated 1602]. First edition. Three volumes, contemporary vellum over boards with lettering labels in gilt, edges stained yellow. 16 1/2 x 10 1/4 inches (42 x 26.5 cm); each volume with engraved title. Volume I: two parts, xviii, 360 pp., [iv], 104 pp., with 4 plates (three folding). Volume II: [xviii], 656 pp., 20 plates hors-texte, many with multiple panels, and several engravings in text; Volume III: two parts, xvi, 574 pp., with four plates including a large engraved folding plate view of Jerusalem, eight charts regarding numismatics (a few folding, some printed in black in red). Early ownership signature and later stamp to margin of engraved titles, 3/4 inch tear into folding plate of Jerusalem where mounted, some infrequent remargining and old restorations to folding plates, a few instances of dampstaimns especially in the first volume, generally a clean example overall. This work was begun by Hieronymus Pradus, who entered the Society of Jesus in 1572 and subsequently taught scripture at Cordoba, but had only completed the first volume of this work, an important commentary on the prophet Ezekiel, before his 1595 death. The work was completed by the scholar Juan Baptista Villapanda in 1604. Volume II contains many extraordinary and highly speculative renderings of the Temple of Solomon at Jerusalem, based on the visions of the prophet Ezekiel. Volume III in particular has long been praised for its large engraved view of the city and temple at Jerusalem, derived from a few authentic and several fantastical sources, and for its content on the numismatics of the region. The 28 plates are masterpieces of the engraver's art. Palau 234873; Adams 2050. C