Hieroglyphica, sive de sacris Aegyptiorum, aliarum que gentium literis commentarii, Joannis Pierii Valeriani bolzanii bellunensis, a caelio Augustino curione duobus libris aucti, et multus imaginibus illustrati. Basel: Thomas Guarin, 1567, folio.
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This is the second edition of the most influential Renaissance dictionary of symbols, emblems, and hieroglyphs, and one of the foundational books of emblem literature. Stimulated by the rediscovery of Horapollo’s Hieroglyphica in the 1420s, Valeriano’s vast work represents the culmination of humanist fascination with symbolism, allegory, and the interpretation of images and ancient texts. First published in 1556 and issued in at least nine editions, it quickly became the principal sourcebook for artists, writers, and scholars throughout the 16th and 17th centuries.
Arranged in sixty books, each dedicated to a prominent Renaissance figure, the Hieroglyphica functions as a comprehensive encyclopedia of symbolic meaning. Although ostensibly concerned with Egyptian hieroglyphs, Valeriano’s interpretations draw instead on alchemy, Greek mythology, pagan folklore, Egyptian religion, medieval bestiaries, lapidaries, and the Physiologus, making it a rich compendium of ancient and medieval lore. It has a large number of beautiful woodcuts throughout.
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Size: 228 x 330 mm (approx.)
Condition:
[alpha2-6, beta4, a-z6, A-Z6, 2A-2Z6, 3A-3F6, 3G4, 3H6]
Two volumes bound into one, as usual, with the second volume's divisional title leaf at fol.223 (O1). Lacks a1 (title leaf) and the frontispiece, else collates as complete, including the index, with significant loss to the final leaf (3H6). A very large amount of woodcut illustrations are present throughout, many of which are very curious indeed, particularly those of an occult nature. A large number of leaves throughout have loss which has been repaired with blank paper in all cases, some leaves with closed tears, etc. Generally clean throughout, mildly toned, sporadic mild stains, but overall internally presentable, though the many leaves with repairs and subsequent loss do need to be noted (affects both text and some of the woodcuts).
Circa mid 18th century quarter calf over marbled paper backed boards. Binding rubbed, the leather dry, some discolouration. Backstrip a little loose at the foot, also the sewn tailcap. Some spotted staining to the leather of the front board which is possibly old mould which does not affect the inside of the book. Both boards attached, joints starting in places, but with the binding secure.
[USTC 662730; Adams V51; Brunet V, 1042].
