OLD RARE BOOK 17TH-CENTURY ILLUSTRATED WORK ON THE TORTURES OF MARTYRS — 1667

OLD RARE BOOK 17TH-CENTURY ILLUSTRATED WORK ON THE TORTURES OF MARTYRS — 1667
Take a look at this remarkable rarity… a 17th-century illustrated book depicting the tortures and martyrdoms of Christian saints.
GALLONI (Antonio / Antonius Gallonius)
De SS. Martyrum Cruciatibus Liber
Antverpiae (Antwerp), Sumptibus Andreae Frisii, 1667
Small duodecimo (13 × 8 cm).
Contemporary full calf binding, with a richly gilt spine decorated with floral tools and a red morocco title label reading “CRUCIATUS MARTYRUM.”
A fine edition of Antonio Gallonio’s celebrated work devoted to the tortures and martyrdoms of the early Christian saints, illustrated with numerous engravings depicting the various instruments and methods of torture.
The copy is complete with the 44 numbered engraved figures, an important feature of this beautifully illustrated small-format edition.
The book contains:
• 1 engraved frontispiece
• 44 numbered engraved plates (Fig. I–XLIV) depicting the various martyrdoms and tortures
• Text in Latin
The highly expressive engravings form one of the most striking bodies of imagery associated with Counter-Reformation hagiographical literature.
Contemporary binding.
The binding shows age-related wear and rubbing, with worn corners and headcaps and some weakened areas to the joints.
The interior is generally well preserved for a 17th-century book.
Old stamps from a religious library are present.
The engravings are complete and well preserved.
A remarkable piece of early modern religious and macabre history, over 350 years old.