Boxhorn, Emblemata politica, Amsterdam, 1635, contemporary vellum

Boxhorn, Marcus Zuerius van. Marci Zverii Boxhornii Emblemata politica, & orationes. Amsterdam: (Willem Christiaens van der Boxe of Leiden, for) Johannes Janssonius, 1635

First edition of Boxhorn's emblem book, with emblems of a more ethical and political nature, including how to wield power, directed here at the dedicatee, the young Swedish nobleman Johan Cruus (1617-1644), who was a student in Leiden in 1633. Some of the engravings, from the workshop of Crispijn van Passe, were previously used for Reifenberg's Emblemata politica (1632).

12mo (123 x 65 mm). Roman type, 24 lines plus headline. collation: +¹² ++² A-K¹² L⁸ M²: 144 leaves. Title printed in red and black with woodcut vignette, woodcut initials and tailpiece, engraved illustrations.

binding: Contemporary vellum (128 x 75 mm), spine with manuscript lettering, stubs from two pairs of ties. (Binding slightly soiled.)

provenance: Fr. van Eycke, inscription on title-page. acquisition: Purchased from Rosenthal in 1990. references: Landwehr, Low Countries 75; STCN 83246371X