Comoedia sacra cui titulus Joseph, ad christianae iuventutis institutionem [...].

8vo: 62-[1 bl.-1] pp.

Mod. cloth by Stroobants, flat spine with gilt morocco label, cloth marker. Very good copy.

Rare early Paris ed. of the popular Latin schoolplay by the Amsterdam teacher Crocus (1500-1550), 1st publ. Antwerp 1536. The play is based on Genesis 39-41. Potiphar, captain of Pharaoh’s guard, purchased Joseph as a slave and, impressed by his intelligence, makes him the master of his household. Potiphar’s wife, who was known for her infidelities, took a liking to Joseph, and attempted to seduce him. When Joseph refused her advances, and ran off, leaving his outer vestment in her hands, she retaliated by falsely accusing him of trying to rape her, and Potiphar had Joseph imprisoned. In the end Joseph’s innocence is proved and he is released. Woodcut mark on title and at the end.
Ref. BP16 110229. - Kölker (Alardus/Crocus) C.L.53.
Prov. G. Labiche (ms. entry on front endpaper).