MAIER, Michael (1568–1622) - photo 1

MAIER, Michael (1568–1622)

Lot 208
13.07.2022 10:30UTC +00:00
Classic
Sold
£ 2 772
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUnited Kingdom, London
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Archive
ID 794534
Lot 208 | MAIER, Michael (1568–1622)
Estimate value
£ 2 000 – 3 000
MAIER, Michael (1568–1622)

Jocus severus, hoc est, tribunal aequum, quo noctua regina avium, Phoenice arbitro post varias disceptationes et querelas volucrum eam infestantium pronunciatur, et ob sapientiam singularem, Palladi sacrata agnoscitur. Frankfurt: N. Hoffmann for T. de Bry, 1617.

First edition of a rare alchemical text from the library of the Czech bibliophile Franz Troilo, a nobleman at the court of Rudolph II. Maier was a celebrated alchemist and physician of the Emperor Rudolph II in Prague. The Jocus Severus, or Serious Joke was published shortly after the appearance of the three Rosicrucian Manifestos and works in a similar allegorical vein with its strong criticism of ignorance. This alchemical text takes the form of an entertaining dialogue, or tribunal of birds, with the Phoenix designated as Judge, who in turn appoints the Owl as Queen. A dialogue takes place between several species of birds who are determined to defame the Owl; the Hawk acts in the Owl's defence with the Phoenix as final arbiter. Duveen 380: Ferguson II 66: Caillet 6994: Gardner, Bibliotheca Rosicruiana, 424.



Quarto (204 x 162mm). Title with large engraved vignette of birds, woodcut ornaments, some deckle edges (minor spotting). 19th-century three-quarter green morocco by Roger De Coverly, slipcase (a little sunned and rubbed). Provenance: Franz Gottfried Troilo Von Lessoth (1583-1648; contemporary inscription on title) – discreet armorial collector's blindstamp on title and D4.





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No VAT on hammer price or buyer's premium.
Place of origin:Western Europe, Germany, Europe
Auction house category:Medicine & science, Printed books
Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
8 King Street, St. James's
SW1Y 6QT London
United Kingdom
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13.07.2022 – 13.07.2022
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