Pompa introitus [...] Ferdinandi Austriaci Hispaniarum infantis [...].

Very large folio (58,8 x 39,6 cm): engr. title-[10]-189-[13] pp.; 38 pl. (sl. marg. soiling, marg. hole(s) in pp. 5-8 and pl. 4-5 and sm. holes in some margins at end, long tear in p. 15 and in the margin of p. 145 strengthened, somewhat age-toned, mouldy spots on pp. 135-136, occ. foxing, some margins of pl. cut short, pl. 16 with tear to fold and tear strengthened, tear in pl. 17 strengthened, occ. pl. browned, fold of pl. 33 strengthened).

Contemp. overl. vellum, gilt coat of arms on covers, flat spine (soiled, def. edges). Kept in a mod. box.

Magnificent publication on the Entry into Antwerp of the Spanish Cardinal-Infante Ferdinand (1609-1641) in 1635. The production was delayed on account of financial problems, the untimately death of a major collaborator (Rubens, May 1640), and almost halted by the death of Ferdinand himself (November 1641). The ed. has a number of variants, as described by Arents. The present copy includes the half-title (7 ll., Arents a) but not the rare equestrian portrait of Ferdinand by P. Pontius (printed for 200 de luxe copies only). Present in this copy is the numbered, half-length portrait of Ferdinand. Complete with 43 engr. on 39 full- or double-page or folding plates by Th. van Thulden after Rubens, depicting the arches and stages built and the paintings adorning them, a nice view of the Antwerp cathedral, a large bird's-eye view of the city of Antwerp and 6 engr. showing the victory arch of the 12 emperors (num. 17-19 and 20-22, 3 engr. on 2 pl.). All plates, except engr. title numbered in the plate (2-43); with also 47 small engr. in text (coins and medals). The engraved title (without the name of the engraver Jac. Neeffs) in Arents version d; the colophon bears the exact date "1642".
Ref. Arents, P. - "Pompa Introitus Ferdinandi. Bijdrage tot de Rubensbibliografie" in: De Gulden Passer. 27 (1949), pp. 81–348. - BB III:193-196:G-370. - Landwehr (Splendid ceremonies) 99. - Judson/VdVelde (Rubens) 81. - STCV (various issues).
Bound with: Becanus, Guilielmus - Serenissimi principis Ferdinandi Hispaniarum infantis [...] triumphalis introitus in Flandriae metropolium Gandavum. Antwerp, J. Meursius, 1636. [8]-68-[3] pp.; 42 pl. (marg. soiling, stronger on pl. 23, marg. tear strengthened to p. 3, marg. damp stains at end, lower corner of p. 61 missing). Rare impressive memorial volume commenting on the Entry of Cardinal-Infante Ferdinand into the city of Ghent in 1635, printed in only 150 copies. With extensive explanations on the programme of the various decorations. Engr. ill.: 42 numb. plates by J. Neefs, P. de Jode, C. Galle e.a. showing i.a. the frontispiece dated 1636, the portrait of Philip IV, portrait of Ferdinand, the entry processions with views of Ghent, The Maid of Ghent, mythical scenes and scenes from the life of Charles V, scenes from a theatrical performance, allegorical floats, fireworks from St Bavo cathedral, triumphal arches i.a. on the Friday Market and decorations for the entry. A large bird's-eye view on double page illustrates the battle of Nördlingen. Printer's device on title by C. Galle after P.P. Rubens. Ref. Landwehr (Splendid ceremonies) 96. - Vinet 626. - Lipperheide 2663. - Funck 273. - Brunet I:728. - STCV. - Opac KBR.
Prov. Frans Paschier van den Cruyce (1609-1678), first mayor of Antwerp in 1656 (supralibros; ref. de Jonghe 715). - Van Praet 1817 (ms. entry).