"'T Groot Waerelds Tafereel…", Lindenberg, Jacob

Dutch prentbijbel (picture bible) richly illustrated by the famous Dutch artist, Romain de Hooghe. Includes a superb allegorical frontispiece, two maps, a view of Solomon's Temple, and approximately 135 engraved illustrations, most two to a page. Original calf, raised bands on spine, covers stamped in gilt with a design centered on an armillary sphere with angels rescuing a soul from hell. Apparently complete, as there is no evidence of plate removal. However, Poortman and Augusteijn note that Lindenberg used four of De Hooghe's maps for his prentbijbel, including a map of Canaan and one of Jerusalem that are not included here.

The first map, Orbis Per Creationem Institutus…, is one of the most unusual and decorative maps depicting Paradise. It covers the region from Asia Minor to India and all of the Arabian peninsula within a circle. The Garden of Eden is located at center. At the top is the Tetragrammaton in a triangle. Surrounding the map are four scenes: Adam and Eve in the Garden, Noah's Ark after the Deluge, Moses receiving the Ten Commandments, and the birth of Christ.

The second map, De Reysen Christi des Heyland..., is a picturesque map of the eastern Mediterranean that covers the region from Rome through Asia Minor and the Holy Land and depicts the ministry of Apostle Paul. Panels of scenes at the bottom show major biblical events, from the expulsion of Adam and Eve through the resurrection of Christ.

References: Poortman & Augusteijn pp. 224-28 (#154 & 157).

Condition: B+

The frontispiece with splendid original color, heightened in gold, otherwise uncolored. Maps and view with strong impressions, overall clean and bright. Illustrations and text with some toning and foxing. Binding sound with some shelf wear and spine starting to crack