Galle, Philippe Lot n° 48

GALLE, Philippe Septem opera misericordiae spiritalia. Utriusque tam veteris quam novi testamenti appositis exemplis, ac sententiis illustrata. Antwerp Philippe Galle 1577 Set of 8 engravings, 25,5 x 18,5 cm, margins 5 mm; with engr. texts and numbers 1-8. Stuck by corners. Very good set in fine impression. Rare complete suite (title and 7 pl.) in 2nd state i.e. with the privilege. Elaborate layout for this suite supposed to promote Christian practices. "Just as the corporal works of mercy are directed towards relieving corporeal suffering, the aim of the spiritual works of mercy is to relieve spiritual suffering" (Wikipedia) by instructing the ignorant, admonishing the sinners, counseling the doutful, comforting the afflicted, etc. Ref. New Hollstein II: 249-256.