Serenissimi principis Ferdinandi hispaniarum infantis S.R.E. cardinalis triumphalis introitus in Flandriae metropolim Gandavum.

Plano (53 x 39 cm): [8]-68-[4] pp. (dampstaining throughout in lower and upper part, min. spotting, title and first ff. with frayed lower corner and some min. worming, sm. tear just reaching text at f. X).

Contemp. vellum (sl. warping and wrinkling, sm. def. at sides, corners, head & tail), covers with large gilt-stamped arms of Ghent within gilt-ruled frame (back cover soiled), gilt orn. spine, remains of silver & gold thread ties.

Rare impressive memorial volume commenting on the Entry of Cardinal-Infante Ferdinand (1609-1641) into the city of Ghent in 1635, printed in only 150 copies. With extensive explanations on the programme of the various decorations. Engr. ill.: printer's device on title by C. Galle after P.P. Rubens and 41 (of 42; n. 13 missing) numb. plates by J. Neefs, P. de Jode, C. Galle e.a. showing i.a. the frontispiece, the portrait of Philip IV, portrait of Ferdinand, the entry processions with views of Ghent, The Maid of Ghent, mythical scenes and scenes from the life of Charles V, scenes from a theatrical performance, allegorical floats, fireworks from St Bavo cathedral, triumphal arches i.a. on the Friday Market and decorations for the entry. A large folding bird's-eye view illustrates the battle of Nördlingen. The front. and 15 (of 41) plates (incl. Nördlingen) are old hand-coloured, the device on title and 2 pl. partly old hand-col. Captions in Latin.
Ref. Landwehr (Splendid ceremonies) 96. - Vinet 626. - Lipperheide 2663. - Brunet I:728. - STCV. - Opac KBR.
Prov. Sm. ink notes and labels on title and front flyleaf. - Jacobus Pontusson De la Gardie (1768-1842), whose library in the castle of Löberöd was one of the largest private libraries in Sweden at that time (ca. 18.000 vol.) (armorial bookpl.).