CLÉMENT (Nicolas). Lot n° 20

Austrasiae, reges et duces epigrammatis. Cologne, s.n., 1591. In-4, blond calf, triple gilt fillet, ornate smooth spine, havana title page, marbled edges (18th century binding). First edition, in Latin, of this collection of portraits of the Dukes of Lorraine, accompanied by poems by the historian Nicolas Clément. Beautifully illustrated, with a vignette on the title and 63 medallion portraits engraved on copper by Lorraine artist Pierre Woeiriot, one of the most important engravers of the French Renaissance. The portrait of Charles III is in first state, depicted wearing a feathered cap. Engraved bookplates De Mory Delvange and A. Bretagne, director of direct taxes. The date on the title page has been corrected in pen to 1593, a feature common to other copies. Some foxing and wetness. Binding rubbed. Brun, p. 155. - Diane Barbier-Mueller, Inventaire..., n°131.