78/3182 [Emblemata]. Freitag, A. Viridarium Moralis Philosophiae. Pref. C. Kilian. Cologne, G. Mutingus (Muting), 1594, (8),251,(9)p., etched title-p., 128 almost full-p. emblematic ills. mainly after M. GHEERAERTS THE ELDER, contemp./ sl. later marbled calf w. dark green mor. letterpiece and gilt spine, sm. 4to.

- One textleaf and final index leaf restored in blank margin; 1 leaf w. sm. (partly closed) tear in outer margin; contents partly (vaguely) dust-/ waterstained in margins and corners (occas. also affecting text area); old auction ticket tipped onto verso of first blank. Binding warped and partly darkened; corners sl. worn/ rubbed; upper outer corner of frontcover sl. dam.

= Landwehr (German) 380 (under Kilian, Cornelis); Fairfax Murray (German) 427. The fine etchings by Gheeraerts were first printed in De Dene's De warachtige Fabulen der dieren (Bruges, 1567. Landwehr 189; Praz I, p.314f), then used in Arnold Freitag's Mythologia ethica, hoc est moralis philosophiae per fabulas brutis attributas traditae amoenissimum viridarium (Antw., Plantijn, 1579. Landwehr 239; Praz p.341); the present edition is a reissue of Freitag's work by George Muting, w. three additional emblems. Cf. Bodemann I, 39.1, 48.1 and 51.1. A very rare and beautifully illustrated complete copy (only one other complete copy traced in the trade). SEE ILLUSTRATION PLATE LXXXV.