Historica narratio profectionis et inaugurationis serenissimorum Belgii principum Alberti et Isabellae, Austriae archiducum [...].

Folio: 500-[12] pp. (normal spotting & toning, lower blank corner of title torn off, 1st pl. bound upside down).

Contemp. overl. vellum, ink titled spine with raised bands (sl. soiled, some sm. def.). Good copy.

First and only edition of one of the most sumptuous festivity books printed by the Plantin Press. Splendidly illustrated record of the triumphal entries of the newly-wed archdukes Albert of Austria and his bride Infanta Isabella of Spain into Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent and Valenciennes in 1599. With 2 pages of musical notation, an elaborate engr. architectural title, incorporating fine portraits of Archdukes Albert and Isabella, 3 further engr. section titles, 2 architectural, all elaborate, 1 incorporating a view of Antwerp, another a view of Ghent, and 28 engr. plates (incl. 15 double-page) by Pieter van der Borcht (a pupil of Pieter Bruegel), the drawings variously attributed to Otto Vaenius, Joost de Momper or van der Borcht himself. Bochius (1555-1609) was town clerk of Antwerp. The accounts of the Antwerp and Brussels entry are his own, whereas the account of the festivities in Ghent is written by Max. Vrientius and the entry into Valenciennes is by Henricus d'Outreman. All authors give detailed information of the festivities, the festival architecture, the floats, and illuminations and fireworks in the evening; and explain in detail the emblematic and allegorical decorations. Last leaf with large woodcut device of Plantin. Only 775 copies of this book were printed.
Ref. Imhof (Moretus) B-44. - Landwehr (Splendid ceremonies) 62. - Berlin Kat. 2945. - Lipperheide 2657 (Sd14). - Simoni (BL) B-195. - STCV.
Bound with: Bochius, Joannes - Descriptio publicae gratulationis, spectaculorum et ludorum, in adventu sereniss. principis Ernesti archiducis Austriae [...]. Antwerp, Plantin Press (Wid. Chr. Plantin [= J. Rivière] & J. Moretus), 1595. 174-[2] pp. (normal toning; pl. p. 105 remargined with loss of running title). First and only edition of this magnificent festival book celebrating the entry of archduke Ernst of Austria into Antwerp on 14 June 1594, also by Bochius. Engr. ill.: 2 titles within elaborate border, 29 full-page and 4 double-page pl. by P. van der Borcht. With 2 pages of musical notation. The traditional giant figures of the Leviathan, the elephant, and the whale were also present among the decorations erected, and are strikingly depicted on separate plates. Impressive too are the double-page plates showing the advance towards the city, the theatre of peace, the equestrial games, and the fires lighted on the market place. The work starts with a short history of the Southern Netherlands, taking about 50 pages. Woodcut Plantin mark at end.
Ref. Imhof (Moretus) B-42. - Landwehr (Splendid ceremonies) 50. - Berlin Kat. 2944. - BB I:306-308:B-388. - BT 344. - Adams B-2208. - STC Dutch (BL) 36.
Prov. Petrus Gros (old ms. entries).