Pompa introitus [...] Ferdinandi Austriaci Hispaniarum Infantis [...].

Very large folio (56 x 42 cm): [10]-189-[13] pp. (a couple of pl. cut a bit too short, cut-off plate border of +/- 1 cm pasted back on at 2 pl., sm. tear in pl. 16).

Contemp. overl. vellum (some scratches), flat spine. Very good copy.

Magnificent publication on the Entry into Antwerp of the Spanish Cardinal-Infante Ferdinand in 1635. The production was delayed on account of financial problems, the untimately death of a major collaborator (Rubens, May 1640), and almost halted by the death of Ferdinand himself (November 1641). The ed. has a number of variants, as described by Arents. The present copy includes the half-title (7 ll., Arents a), and the rare equestrian portrait of Ferdinand by P. Pontius (printed for 200 de luxe copies only). Complete with 43 engr. on 38 full- or double-page or folding plates by Th. van Thulden after Rubens, depicting the arches and stages built and the paintings adorning them, a nice view of the Antwerp cathedral, a large bird's-eye view of the city of Antwerp and 1 very large folding plate (ca. 56 x 220 cm) with 6 engr. showing the victory arch of the 12 emperors (numbered 17-22, in most copies 3 engr. on 2 pl.). All plates are bound after the half-title. All plates, except engr. title and equestrian portrait, numbered in the plate (3-43); with also 47 small engr. in text (coins and medals). The engraved title page (without the name of the engraver Jac. Neeffs) shows the original imprint (Arents a); the colophon bears the intended date 1641 (and not the exact date "1642").
Ref. Arents, "Pompa Introitus Ferdinandi. Bijdrage tot de Rubensbibliografie" in: De Gulden Passer. 27 (1949), pp. 81–348. - BB III:193-196:G-370. - Landwehr (Splendid ceremonies) 99. - Judson/VdVelde (Rubens) 81. - STCV (various issues).