Third edition of a popular and witty Dutch emblem book written by Roemer Visscher (1547-1620). The work consists of three series of 60 emblems, each with a motto in Latin or Dutch, a two-line verse below, and a short explanation on the facing page. The emblems are typical for the Dutch engraver Claes Jansz. Visscher (1586-1652): instead of the usual mythological iconography of traditional emblems, Visscher takes simple objects or subjects from daily life and sets them in their natural environment, in a city house or in the country, and with a perfectly chosen arrangement or action he directly comes to his point in a clear, yet entertaining way. Visscher's work was epoch-making: he was one of the first artists to depict the typical, natural Dutch landscape, breaking with older conventional images.
With armorial bookplate on pastedown. Slightly browned, but otherwise in very good condition. Binding also very good, ties only slightly frayed. Landwehr, Emblem and fable books 874; La Fontaine Verwey II, p. 63; STCN 841509018; De Vries, Emblemata 56; cf. Praz 530 (first edition).