The title pages from early printed books contained messages related to the work's content in symbolic and pictorial form. These ornamental compositions served both as an advertisement and as an introduction. They were often drawn and engraved by preeminent artists and engravers of the period and incorporated classical mythology, Christian symbolism, Renaissance art forms, allegories, symbols of power, and emblems of science and exploration. This lot contains a fine variety of title pages that introduced some of the most important works of the early 17th century.

1) Corpus Juris Civilis cum D. Gothofredi, et Aliorum Notis…, engraved by C. van Dalen, published by Blaeu c.1663 (8 x 13.3") Paper backing and narrow margins.
2) Romanae et Graecae Antiquitatis Monumenta…, drawn by Peter Paul Rubens, engraved by Cornelis Galle I, and published by Balthasar Moretus, 1645. (8 x 12") Manuscript notations and a previous owner's ink stamp in the title. Paper restoration at upper left with some loss of the image.
3) Sicilia et Magna Graecia sive Historiae Urbium…, by Hubert Goltzius, Antwerp, 1644. (7 x 10.7") Manuscript notations in title, previous owner's ink stamp in left margin.
4) An untitled frontispiece centered on the figure of Europa, drawn by Louis Cheron and engraved by Gerard Vander Gucht, c. 1645 (8 x 12.8") Trimmed to neatline at right, with some surface soil and a few tiny repaired tears at bottom.
5) Rebuspublicis Hanseaticus Tractatus..., engraved and published by Matthaus Merian, Frankfurt, 1644 (6.8 x 11.5") Some light damp stains at top.
6) Ludovici Nonni Commentarius in Nomismata Impiuli Augusti et Tiberi…, published by Balthasaris Moretus, Antwerp, 1644. (6.5 x 10") Manuscript notations in top margin and a previous owner's ink stamp in left margin.
7-8) Neuwe Archontologia Cosmica [Frontis and title page], drawn and engraved by Johann Sandrart and published by Matthaus Merian, Frankfurt, 1646 (7.5 x 11.8") Tape stain encroaching into the image at left.
9) Tomo II de la Historia del Reyno de Mallorca, by Vicente Mut Armengol, 1650. (6.3 x 10") Scattered foxing.
10) Europae Totius Orbis Terrarum Partis Praestantissimae, Universalis et Particularis Descriptio, Johannes Bussemacher, Cologne, 1594 (6 x 8.2") Manuscript notation in title with some ink stains and worm tracks in the bottom margin.
11) Ludovici Nonni Commentarius in Huberti Goltzi Graeciam, Insulas, et Asiam Minorem, published by Balthasaris Moretus, Antwerp, 1644 (7 x 11") Manuscript notations in title with a previous owner's ink stamps in top corners.
12) Rerum Danicarum Historia…, published by Jan Jansson, Amsterdam, 1631 (7 x 11.5") Minor soil and toning.

References:

Condition: C

All with some defects as noted in the description.