MACCIO, Paolo. Emblemata.
Bologna Clemente Ferroni: April 1628
£ 3,000
FIRST EDITION. 4to (23 x 16 cm). A-Z4, AA-TT4; 331, [5]. Roman and italic type; in Latin and Italian. Engraved title-page within typographical border; dedicatory plate depicting the Madonna and Child in a landscape; 81 emblematic engravings with typographical border. Very slight browning occasionally; small hole on bottom corner of QQ4. 19th century blind stamped morocco; spine with five raised bands, gilt title. Marbled flyleaves with inner dentelles; gilt gauffered edges. Fine condition.
Paolo Maccio (or Macchio) (c. 1570-1640) was originally from Modena. He was a Professor di Belle Lettere (Literature) at the University of Bologna and the author of various orations and of a book of emblems, the Emblemata.
This richly illustrated first edition contains 81 engravings which were executed by artists active in Bologna in the 17th century: Oliviero Gatti (dedicatory plate and 52 engravings), Giovanbattista Coriolano (27 engravings) and Agostino Parisini (2 engravings). Parisini signed his two engravings (LXXVI-LXXIX), which were made after Florius Macchius.
The work offers a precious insight in the Bologna of the early 17th century, since together with the typical moral and devotional meanings, we also find political and societal themes characteristic of Bologna. Contemporary Bolognese politicians, clergymen and important citizens are chosen by the author as dedicatory recipients of individual emblems throughout the book.
Praz I, 409; Bartsch 19, pp. 25ff., nn. 66-117 and 63 ff., nn. 80-106).