Iconologia overo Descrittione dell'imagini universali cavate dall'antichita et da altri luoghi. Opera non meno utile, che necessaria à poeti, pittori, & scultori, per rappresentare le virtù, vitii, affetti, & passioni humane.

4to: [24]-301-[1-2 bl.] pp. (soiled, damp stains and mostly marginal wormholes throughout, foxing).

Contemp. limp vellum, name of the author in ink on front cover, flat spine (spine detached).

First edition of the standard work of Renaissance iconology by the iconographer from Perugia Ripa (1560?-1622). It describes the attributes and symbols of the elements, the seasons, rivers, Muses, virtues and abstract qualities. The first illustrated edition was published in 1603. Copper-engr. coat of arms of the dedicatee, Cardinal Anton Maria Salviati on title. Ripa worked for him as cook and butler, and he was still in his service when he wrote the "Iconologia".
Ref. EDIT16 25971. - Cicognara 4741 (1764 ed.). - Not in Adams, STC Italian.
Prov. Ms. entry on title crossed out. - Latour, "inv. & pinxit A° MDCCLVII. ACT. AP VI", i.e. Jean Latour (1719-1782), painter from Liège? (ms. entries). - Mod. bookpl.