Idea principis Christiano-Politici 100 symbolis expressa

Coloniae [i.e., Cologne]: Apud Constantinum Munich, 1650. Engraved title page, and 103 engraved emblems, of which 101 are sequentially numbered. [24], 795, [5] pp. 1 vols. 12mo. Contemporary calf, red leather spine label. BEAUTIFUL copy, text and emblems immaculate and crisp. Engraved title page, and 103 engraved emblems, of which 101 are sequentially numbered. [24], 795, [5] pp. 1 vols. 12mo. The Emblems of Power. Fine copy of this little series of discourses on how to conduct oneself as a Christian ruler, originally intended for the Spanish infante, Baltasar, son of King Philip IV. Each new chapter is introduced by a symbolic engraving in the form of a coat of arms, with the Latin motto announcing the theme. the book first appeared in 1640 in Spanish and was immensely popular, and the author himself translated the text to Latin, and in subsequent edition, added one or two more engravings to the sequence. The first and the last engraving (each out of the numbered sequence) are most interesting. The first, with a motto "Ex fumo in lucem" is an exquisite image of a printing press; and the final engraving, beneath a brief obituary of the author ("Magni Politici), shows skull, a tomb, and other images of death beneath the heading "Ludibria Mortis." The engravings themselves are exquisitely wrought, and, particularly in this copy, are bright with excellent detail.
Saavedra was a lawyer and diplomat in the service of Spain, who died in 1648. (Inventory #: 62378)