Symbolorum et emblematum centuriae tres. I. Ex herbis & stirpibus. II. Ex animalibus quadrupedibus. III. Ex volatilibus & insectis. Editio secunda, auctior & accuratior. Accessit novi centuria IV. Ex aquatilibus & reprilibus. Cum figuris aeneis.

4to: [6]-102, 103-[1], 102-[2], [4]-100-[1] ff. (missing K2-3 = ff. 38-39 of pt. I; toned, dampstained with some mouldy spots).

Old mottled leather, richly gilt spine with raised bands and morocco label, red edges, decorative endpapers (sl. rubbed at edges). In all a good copy.

2nd enl. ed. of a major emblem collection. The 400 emblems are derived from nature and represent plants and flowers, quadrupeds, birds and insects, fish, sea creatures and serpents. Each emblem is accompanied by explanatory texts influenced by the hieroglyphic studies of the Renaissance coupled with Camerarius’ understanding of nature based on Pliny and other classical authors. The physician J. Camerarius (1534-1598) cultivated a large botanical garden in Nuremberg and many of the specimens which are represented here are taken from plants that he had grown. The emblems have been attributed to Hans Sibmacher or Hans Schroder. The four parts were first published separately from 1590-1604 and the first collected edition had a new general title-page dated 1605 and dedication. Ill. with 398 (of 400) circular engr. emblems (missing emblems 36-37 of part I). Four engraved part titles.
Ref. VD17 23:283566N. - Landwehr (German) 166.
Prov. Old ms. entry on title and A2r (partly deleted). - Unidentified collector’s ticket with initials "R P" and device "Prudenter agas".