1662 ART OF EMBLEMS antique 17th CENTURY STUNNING BINDING illustrated

Menestrier Claude-Francois L'art des emblemes At Benoist Coral: Lyon ; 1662Size 4 by 6 1/4"(4) 160pp. (6) pp.Illustrated with an allegorical frontispiece by Blanchet (laid down on paper), 9 emblematic figures and some in-text illustrations.A superb ornate binding with blind gilt decoration and fleur-de-lys motifs repeated on the cover. It has a complex multi-filament frame, decorated with corner irons and a finely gilded central shield.Provenance from a noble library. The crown above the shield suggests that this could be a member of the nobility with an important title, such as a duke or prince. Lions or greyhounds, commonly used as heraldic figures, are also symbols of strength, loyalty or protection.The spine is ribbed (5-ribbed spine) , decorated with gilded boxes, although some details have disappeared due to wear. The leather is creased and scuffed in places.There is significant rubbing on the first cover, revealing lighter areas.Very good interiorText in French==================