CATS, Jacob (1577-1660)

[Emblem Book] Huwelyk, dat is, het gantsche beleyt des Echten Staats; Afgedeelt in zes Hooft-stukken; Maegt, Vryster, Bruyt, Vrouwe, Modeder, Weduwe

t' Amsterdam: Anthony Schoonenburg, 1723. Three-quarter Calf. Eighteenth-century edition of Cats's masterpiece, with engravings by Breugel’s pupil Adriaan van de Venne. 16mo (152 x 99): [22],538pp, including additional engraved title page and with two hand-colored plates (one folding), showing children playing with crossbows, flying kites, doing handstands, and the like, and 35 half-page text engravings. Bound in later three-quarter calf over marbled boards, flat spine in five compartments divided by gilt rules, red morocco label lettered in gilt. Tightly bound and clean and bright throughout. A Fine copy. Not in Landwehr or Praz. Fine. Item #BB0278

Later edition (originally published in 1625) of the Dutch statesman and poet's famous handbook on marriage, dealing with the six chapters of a woman's life (by way of comparison to the seven ages of man): youth, sweetheart, bride, woman, mother, and widow. A charming work, interweaving dialogue, prose, and verse. "Cats took inspiration from proverbs and everyday life; his realistic emblems form a counterpoint to genre painting and supply interesting evidence for the history of costume." (Praz, p. 86) N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition, with dust jackets carefully preserved in archival, removable mylar sleeves. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.).

Price: $499.00