Sadeler

1631 · réf. 6220 — Munich: Melchior Segen 1631. Contemporary vellum with two brass clasps blue edges. 12mo. With an engraved title page and 12 full-page engraved emblems by Raphael Sadeler. Revised and enlarged edition of one of the most attractive emblem books by the Jesuit author Jeremias Drexel 1581-1638. Born in Augsburg and active for most of his career in Munich Drexel was among the most celebrated Catholic devotional writers of the 17th century. After entering the Society of Jesus he gained renown as a preacher and was appointed court preacher to Maximilian I Elector of Bavaria 1573-1651. His numerous ascetical and devotional works achieved remarkable popularity throughout Europe appearing in many editions and translations.First published in 1622 the Zodiacus Christianus appeared in numerous editions; the present copy is the fifth. In the work Drexel transforms the 12 signs of the zodiac into Christian moral and spiritual emblems. Rejecting their astrological significance he interprets each sign allegorically as representing stages in the Christian life and symbols of divine providence and predestination. The work combines learned theological reflection with practical moral instruction illustrating the Jesuit use of emblematic imagery as a powerful instrument for meditation and religious education during the Counter-Reformation.The text is illustrated with a finely engraved series of emblematic plates by Raphael Sadeler 1561-1632 one of the most accomplished members of the celebrated Sadeler family of engravers. Rich in symbolic detail the engravings harmoniously combine biblical imagery classical motifs and emblematic devices making the work one of the finest examples of 17th-century Jesuit book illustration.The margins are slightly trimmed. Otherwise in very good condition.l Dünnhaupt p. 1377 5.13; USTC 2518976 2 copies; VD 17 23:267994Z; WorldCat 314128646 258194835; cf. Caillet 3250 Cologne ed. of 1634; Hollstein XXI Raphael Sadeler II 109-124 Munich ed. 1628; Landwehr German emblem books 229 Munich ed. 1618. Melchior Segen, hardcover