BECANUS, Guilielmus (fl. 1630s). Serenissimi principis Ferdinandi Hispaniarum Infantis S.R.E. cardinalis introitus in Flandriae metropolim gandavum. Antwerp: Johannes Meursius, 1636.
BECANUS, Guilielmus (fl. 1630s). Serenissimi principis Ferdinandi Hispaniarum Infantis S.R.E. cardinalis introitus in Flandriae metropolim gandavum. Antwerp: Johannes Meursius, 1636.

细节
BECANUS, Guilielmus (fl. 1630s). Serenissimi principis Ferdinandi Hispaniarum Infantis S.R.E. cardinalis introitus in Flandriae metropolim gandavum. Antwerp: Johannes Meursius, 1636.

Broadsheets (531 x 394 mm). 42 numbered engraved plates (3 folding), including frontispiece dated 1636 by Pieter de Jode, and portraits of Philip IV and Ferdinand; engraved printer's device by Cornelis Galle after Peter Paul Rubens on title (plate 36 shaved along right side). (Title with upper margin excised and edges slightly frayed.) Contemporary Netherlandish vellum gilt, large stamp of the Garden of Holland incorporating the arms of Ghent blocked in center of the covers (a few pale stains, one small hole on back cover, ties lacking). Provenance: acquired from George Staack, 1963.

FIRST EDITION. Becanus' work celebrates the entry of Cardinal-Infante Ferdinand of Spain (1609-1641) as Governor in Ghent on January 18th, 1635 and as victor of the battle of Nördlingen, where the Catholic Imperial army won a great victory over the combined Protestant armies of Sweden and their German allies. The engraved plates show the entry processions with views of Ghent, scenes from a theatrical performance, allegorical floats, fireworks, and triumphal arches. A large folding bird's-eye view illustrates the battle of Nördlingen. "The decorations for this event, although less famous than those designed by Rubens for Ferdinand's Entry into Antwerp several months later, also celebrated the Prince's personal history, his ancestry, and military prowess"(Festivities: Ceremonies and Celebrations in Western Europe 1500-1790, Brown University, March 1979, number 38.) ONE OF ONLY 150 COPIES. Brunet I:728; Landwehr 96; Lotz p.104; Vinet 626.