44        RIPA, Cesare (1555-1622) & Johann Georg HERTEL (c. 1700-1775). Pars I (-X) des berühmten Italiänischen Ritters, Caesaris Ripae, zu allerley Künsten, und Wissenschaften, dienlich seyender Sinbildern, und Gedancken, welchen jedesmahlen eine hierzu taugliche Historiam, oder Gleichnis, beygefüget 10 parts in 1 volume 4° (237x175 mm). [14] leaves. and 200 leaves of plates, all engraved. Contemporary roan, spine on raised bands gilt with red lettering piece. Somewhat rubbed, edges, coners and caps scuffed. Two small stamps on title-page, one obliterated and the other scratched out. Augsburg, J. G. Hertel, [c.1758-1760].   

A Rococo interpretation of Ripa's emblems.

Ripa's Iconologia had a great influence on artists and writers of the 17th and 18th centuries, in particular painters such as Pietro da Cortona, Gerard de Lairesse, Willem van Mieris and Vermeer.

The first edition of 1593 was not illustrated and succeeding editions somehow attempted to remedy this defficiency by adding images. The best of these illustrated editions is considered to be that of Hertel.

In 1748, Hertel took over part of Jeremias Wolff's art publishing house, where, in addition to his own works, he mainly published engravings of ornamental, religious and allegorical nature.

The present work was issued in 10 parts of 20 plates each, including indexes in German and Latin to parts 1-5 and 6-10. The illustrations after Gottfried Eichler's drawings were etched chiefly by Jeremias Wachsmuth, with some by Emmauel Eichel, Christian Halbaur, & Jakob Wangner. In addition to the allegory, each plate has been supplied with an example of the subject represented, usually taken from the Bible or Classical writers. The allegorical figures or scenes are set in charming architectural landscapes, showing ruins, cottages, temples etc., some with rocaille staffage. Each plate is explained in a Latin title at head and a German couplet at foot.

A fine copy on heavy laid paper.

References: Berlin Cat. 4595; Landwehr 505; Praz p. 473f.

Price: CHF 2000