COMES (Natalis). - Lot 33

COMES (Natalis). Mythology, that is, Explanation of Fables, containing the genealogies of the Gods, the ceremonies [sic] of their sacrifices; their gestures, adventures, loves. Et presque tous les préceptes de la Philosophie naturelle & moralle. Lyon, [Jean Poyer pour] Paul Frelon, 1604. In-4, havana morocco, double gilt fillet, large gilt foliage medallion in the center, the middle in reserve charged with initials (double P interlaced on the first plate, and double ? interlaced on the second) flanked by four fermesses, spine decorated with fillets and repeated numerals (double P, double ?, double C and S closed), gilt edges (Period binding). First French translation of the Mythology of the neo-Latin poet and humanist Natale Conti (Natalis Comes), the original edition of which appeared in Venice in 1567. Translated by Jean de Montlyard, former proofreader for Henri Estienne in Geneva and secretary to the Prince de Condé, it features a handsome copper-engraved title-frontispiece by Thomas de Leu and a portrait of Henri de Bourbon-Condé at the age of sixteen, engraved by Jacques Granthomme. Imposing binding with the interlaced numerals of Philippe de Mornay, Seigneur du Plessis-Marly (1549-1623), and his wife Charlotte d'Arbaleste. A friend and minister of Henri IV, this theologian was one of the most eminent men of the Protestant party. Governor of Saumur from 1589 to 1621, this ardent bibliophile also founded the town's Protestant Academy. Handwritten bookplate at the top of the title: Japartiens à Louis Ayrault Sénéchal du roi Henry. A second note in small handwriting: given to Chauveau. On the flyleaf the signature Chauveau. Slight uniform foxing. Small, skilful restorations to the binding, notably to the upper headpiece.