Lot 526: GHEERAERTS, Marcus, the elder, artist (ca 1520-ca 1590). Esbatement moral, des animaux. Antwerp: Gerard Smits for Philippe Galle, 1578.

GHEERAERTS, Marcus, the elder, artist (ca 1520-ca 1590). Esbatement moral, des animaux. Antwerp: Gerard Smits for Philippe Galle, 1578. 4o (182 x 140mm). Engraved title-page with animals in 8 small roundels, center panel of a parliament of animals on a stage facing an audience of men and women, 125 finely etched emblematic plates (mostly 95 x 110mm.) by Marcus Gheeraerts the elder), each with French motto and facing a descriptive sonnet. A Biblical quotation has been added in a calligraphic hand in lower margin beneath each emblem; at end a 5-page "Table des animaux confabulants," and "Table des titres et sentences appropiees aux figures"; last page with errata. (Occasional light soiling). Modern red morocco, covers gilt-paneled, gilt spine, gilt edges (slight rubbing). Provenance: an early owner's Bible quotations in ink; acquired in 1959. SECOND EDITION (first was Bruges 1567) of an exceptional emblem book with finely executed etchings, some of which evoke the work of Breughel and his school. Landwehr, Low Countries 231; Praz, 95.

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