Symbola Heroica Pietrasanta Silvestro Amsterdam 1682

Symbola heroica. Pietrasanta, Silvestro (SJ): Edited in Amsterdam by Jansson-Waesberge & Wetstein, 1682. IIII ff, pp. V-LXXX, 480, (32) pp. Engraved title, engraved portrait (Cardinal Carafa), 8 plates of engraved weapons and genealogies, 13 engraved figures in the text, and 268 engraved emblems. 4 °. Contemporary full calf. From Backer-S. VI, 740.15; Praz 179,455; Funck 379; Olschki, Choice I, 353. Second edition, the first was published by Plantin in 1634. This is a new edition of the original sheets with a new title page added. Title engraved by Corn. Galle after PP Rubens. A collection of 264 emblems and devices brought together by this Jesuit of Roman origin. The book is divided into 9 books, illustrating shields and pictorial devices with their mottos and giving the explanation of symbolism. The heraldic insignia of noble families and scholars include the Medici, Gonzaga and Orsini. The author also explains the methods of encrypted writing, numerology, meaning and origin of iconic images of myth, legend, nature and objects of everyday life. The engraving on page 146, showing Father Francis Linus' magnetic clock, is particularly interesting. No annotation or ex-libris. Some traces on the end of the book but all the engravings and texts is in a very good condition. No lack, galleries or holes. A small tear (19 mm) on the left side of the engraving title engraved by Corn.Galle. The cover of this particularly rare book has unfortunately suffered a lot and deserves a nice restoration.