XII CAESARUM ROMANORUM IMAGINES: E Numismatibus Expressae, et Historica Narratione Illustratae. Ex museio Franc. Sweerti F. Antuerp [Images of the 12 Roman Caesars, taken from coins, and illustrated with historical narration. From the museum of Franc. Sweert F. Antwerp] -- BOUND WITH -- DEORUM DEARUMQUE CAPITA: Ex Antiquis Numismatibus Abrahami Ortelii Geographi Regii Collecta, & Historica Narratione Illustrata a Francisco Sweertio F. Antuerpiensi. [The heads of the gods and goddesses, collected from the ancient coins of Abraham Ortelius, the Royal Geographer, and illustrated with a historical narrative by Francis Sweertius F. of Antwerp.]
Antwerpiae [Antwerp]: Officina Plantiniana [Plantin Press], apud Viduam & Filios Jo. Moreti [widow & sons of Joannes Moretus] (Printed by Robert Bruneau), 1612. Later printings of both volumes with first one retaining the 1603 printer's statement from the first edition on final page; and with second one reprinting Sweerts 1602 introductory statement (printer's statement undated). CAESARUM ROMANORUM IMAGINES: Illustrated with 12 full-page engraved portraits of Roman emperors within highly decorated borders. Descriptive text by Sweerts and verses by Joannes Bocchius or Balthasar Moretus accompany each; 29 pages. Followed by DEORUM DEARUMQUE CAPITA: Illustrated with 59 full-page engraved portraits of the gods and goddesses within highly decorated borders. Ortelius's collection of coins with descriptions and commentary by Sweerts. 129 hand-numbered pages plus prelims including index to the plates (using signature marks for each plate). Text is followed by a handwritten index to the plates (2 pages) using page numbers. 12mo plain vellum over board with narrow portions of the handwritten scraps of wastepaper used in the binding visible at inner hinges. Quite good with minimal marking to covers which are somewhat bowed, moderate foxing to blanks, pages a little darkened in first volume, penciled bookseller's notes on front pastedown which is worn, light stamp and remnants of a bookplate or label on front endpaper, name at head of first blank, and the occasional brief ink notation or small stain. Both volumes scarce in any early printing or edition.
Item #72562
Price: $1,250.00