BOCHIUS, Johannes : - Historica narratio profectionis et inaugurationis serenissimorum Belgii Principum Alberti et Isabellae Austriae Archiducum...

Antverpiae, ex Officina Plantiniana, apud Johannem Moretum, 1602, in-folio, 38,5 x 25,4 cm., engraved title page + 500 pp + (12)nn pp ( index, printer's mark) with 28 copper engraved plates included in the pagination ( 15 double page plates , 10 single page plates , 3 engraved subtitle pages ) and 2 full page engraved musical scores ( complete). Bound in full contemporary calf, raised gilt spine with gilt decoration and gilt title . Binding with minimal traces of use, small restoration at headcap, interior very clean and crisp. In all a very fine copy. With the manuscript "ex-libris '' Bibliotheca gemblacensis 1774 '', and with a tiny 19th c. oval stamp of a belgian private collector. Ref. Landwehr ''Splendid ceremonies - 62''. Berlin Kat. 2945. Lipperheide 2657. Magnificent illustrated record of the triumphal entries of the new rulers of the Southern Netherlands ( or Spanish Netherlands) Archduke Albert of Austria and his bride Infanta Isabella of Spain, daughter of king Philip II. Their secret aim was to unite the German Holy Empire with the Spanish kingdom. Their fruitless marriage and Albert's early death spoiled this scheme. The engraved illustrations (by Pieter van der Borcht after designs by Otto Vaenius, Josse de Momper and Van der Borcht) include portraits of the newly wed couple, views of Ghendt and Antwerp and the various elaborate architectural constructions erected in honour of the couple. The texts pertaining to Antwerp and Brussels are by Bochius (Antwerp town clerck) whereas Ghendt is described by Maximilianus Vrientius, Valenciennes by Henricus d'Outreman. .