15th Mar, 2019 10:30 GMT/BST

Books, Maps & Ephemera

 
Lot 185
 

185

Hieremia Drexelio [Drexel, Jeremy] Trismegistus Christianus; Recta Intentio; Heliotropium. Cologne

Hieremia Drexelio [Drexel, Jeremy]
Trismegistus Christianus; Recta Intentio; Heliotropium. Cologne: Cornelius van Egmond, 1634.
and
Caelum, beatorum civitas aeternitatis, pars III. Antwerp: Jean Cnobbaert, 1636.
8vo (4 vols) Uniformly bound in full calf, boards with ruled gilt border, spines ruled in gilt with contrasting morocco lettering-pieces, red and black speckled edges; eng. titles in all, Trisegistus: 3 plates, Recta: 2 plates, Heliotropium: 5 plates.
Drexel was a Jesuit scholar and writer, who served in the court of Maximillian I as a preacher. His writings focus on the Christian Truth and Man's recognition of the Divine Will. These books are "emblem books". These were studies of a series of "emblems" which, in their classic form, comprised a motto, a picture and a brief poem illustrating the theme. Drexel enjoyed pictorial forms particularly as a concrete aid to imagination and contemplation.
As symbolic literature they were unique compared to that which had come before. They came out from the Renaissance and were able to draw on the new vocabularies of Humanism, Religion and Natural Philosophy which had developed through that period. They also benefitted from the printing press, which allowed wider dissemination and allowed greater use of images as part of the signifier, which made the works more accessible and more attractive. Similar developments can be seen in alchemical texts, which used figures as keys to the Mystery, illuminating the text. The Jesuits especially seized on the genre as an ideological weapon for the reinvigoration of the Church after the Council of Trent as part of the Counter-Reformation. Drexel was especially fond of emblem books, even for a Jesuit, publishing more than a dozen. A clear example of the multi-faceted nature of symbols (even within the Christian faith) is his use of Hermes Trismegistus, at once a hermetic symbol and possible magical god and a wise pagan who foresaw the Trinity.
Not Sold

 

. Bindings worn but tight, variable foxing etc across all vols, but very good set.

 


We are happy to provide Condition Reports to prospective buyers, but would welcome your request as soon as possible, preferably at least 48 hours before the Day of Sale. We cannot guarantee a reply to any requests made within 48 hours of the start of the auction. The absence of a Condition Report from a lot does not mean that the lot is in perfect condition. A Condition Report is an honest expression of our opinion, not a statement of fact and is provided as a service to the seller. All lots are available on public view ahead of an auction and we encourage prospective buyers to inspect an item in person where possible. Our Condition Reports are not prepared by professional conservators, restorers, or engineers, and are prepared with the naked eye unless otherwise stated.

Regarding Pictures, Prints and Works on Paper, works are not examined out of the frame, unless specifically stated. Tennants Auctioneers do not cover damage to gilded wood or plaster picture frames, or to picture frame glass whilst the item is in our possession.

We accept no liability for the opinions expressed in any Condition Report.

Auction: Books, Maps & Ephemera, 15th Mar, 2019

Books, Maps & Ephemera

View all lots in this sale

Sell one like this

If you've got a similar item to sell, complete the valuation form below and one of our experts will get in touch. 

YOUR DETAILS

ITEM DETAILS

Upload images

Drag and drop .jpg images here to upload, or click here to select images.


CONFIRM & SUBMIT