Plantin's Monumental 1583 Folio Latin Bible
Including Maps of the World and the Holy Land and a Profusion of Fine Engravings
Beautiful example of one of the most impressive works by the renowned Plantin publishing house - the deluxe edition of the Latin Bible - a landmark of 16th-century printing, celebrated for its engraved illustrations and 5 double-page maps by leading artists.
This in folio Bible is one of the most impressive and beautiful editions of the Plantin press. It is the result of a rather curious publishing-adventure: realized with the financial help of the Spanish King at a moment when Plantin was considered by many to be a follower of the rebels, and in any way lived in rebel-held country and printed many ordinances and decrees decrying Philip II and his partisans. Already in 1580 Plantin started working on this Bible. - Voet.
In 1583, Christoffel Plantin published this large folio edition of the Latin Bible in Antwerp, noted for its artwork by Flemish artists such as Crispin van den Broeck and Pieter van der Borcht, and engravers Abraham de Bruyn, Jan de Sadeler, and Joannes Wiericx. Interestingly, the Catholic Spanish crown subsidized the project, even while Plantin was suspected of Protestant leanings. The text used is the Leuven Vulgate of 1574, with adaptations by the theologian and biblical scholar Franciscus Lucas Brugensis, also known as 'Van Brugge' (1562–1641).
The present example does not have the dedication to Cardinal Albert of Austria, which was not issued in all copies because at that time Antwerp was under a Calvinist administration, which would also explain the modifications to several of the engravings herein: Adam and Eve and other naked figures being literally "white-washed" with sketched-in outline clothing executed in an early hand.
Christopher Plantin and His Printing House
Christopher Plantin was one of the 16th century’s greatest printers, founder of the Plantin Press, now the site of the Plantin-Moretus Museum. His Antwerp workshop was celebrated for producing high-quality books, including theological, classical, and scientific texts, as well as maps. The 1583 Biblia Sacra is one of his most impressive and ambitious works, emblematic of the role of printing in spreading religious texts.
The Biblia Sacra of 1583
This edition is distinguished by its meticulous typography, high-quality paper, and stunning illustrations. The Bible contains detailed copper-plate engravings that enrich the typographical beauty of the Scriptures - all crafted by some of the finest European artists of the time.
The Artists
Pieter van der Borcht (1545–1608), a versatile Flemish artist known for his intricate engravings, contributed many illustrations for Plantin’s works. In the Biblia Sacra, his expressive illustrations bring added depth to the Old Testament.
Pieter Huys (1519–1581), another notable Flemish artist, contributed engravings such as the depiction of a high priest in traditional robes, which combines artistic expression with detailed iconography. This piece, signed "P. Huys," includes labels linking to a table with the Latin and Hebrew names for each part of the priestly garments.
Crispin van der Broeck (1524–1591) crafted most of the New Testament engravings, marked by precise, clear visual storytelling that vividly illustrates New Testament narratives.
The remaining engravings were executed by other talented artists including Jan Wierix, Jan Sadeler, and Abraham de Bruyn, who infused life into the work through their technical virtuosity, elevating the images beyond mere book illustration to stand as individual works of art.
Importance and Influence
The 1583 Biblia Sacra is not only a significant religious document but also a testament to Renaissance-era advances in printing. Plantin’s work greatly contributed to the spread of biblical knowledge and religious education across Europe. This Bible, with its blend of text and illustrations, remains a treasured artifact for printing bibliophiles and art collectors alike.
Plantin’s legacy, along with the talents of artists such as Hogenberg and van der Borcht, left an enduring mark on the world of printing and the dissemination of biblical literature.
Plantin started working on this bible - known as the revised Louvain Bible - around 1580.
With the 'Notationes in Sacra Biblia' by Franciscus Lucas at the end which were finished in 1579.
The Engravings
Elaborately and beautifully illustrated with 94 copper plates (requiring two separate printing presses for their production). Many of the plates were made especially for this edition.
Of the 94 engravings 13 had already been used in the Polyglot Bible, 40 appear in the in 4⁰ edition of Arias Montanus, Humanae Salutis Monumenta, c. 1583, 36 were new (designed by P. van der Borcht and engraved by J. Wiericx and A. de Bruyn), 5 appear twice (cf. Rooses, M. Musée Plantin-Moretus, page 220) - The Plantin Press Online.
Maps and Plans
- Terra Israel. Detailed map of the Holy Land, oriented with east at the top. The map shows the divisions of the eleven tribes as well as 43 Israelite desert encampments represented by tents. The western shoreline goes from Beirut in the north to the Nile Delta in the south. The Kishon River, here called Chedumin flu, connects Haifa Bay and Tiberius Lake (the Sea of Galilee). Five cities appear in the Dead Sea; Sodoma, Gomora, Adamo, Seboim and Segor. There are many place names and cities shown, with several in Hebrew.
- Terra Canaan map. The map shows Canaan at the time of Abraham and extends to the neighboring regions.
- World map by Benito Arias Montano, which appeared earlier in the polygut Bible printed by Plantin between 1569 and 1571. According to Shirley most of the examples of the first state of this map were lost at sea en route to Spain. The present impression is of State 2, with the word "gentes" added to the word Iektan in the lower left panel.
- Temple of Jerusalem plan. Engraving of the Jerusalem Temple, featuring courtyards, cells, porticoes, and various other spaces that were significant in the religious and cultural life of the ancient city. A detailed and intricate portrayal of the ancient Jerusalem Temple.
- Solomon's Temple. Beyond the architectural and religious significance of the Temple itself, Montanus' view is teeming with life. The tapestry he paints is not just of stone and mortar, but of a thriving community: individuals engrossed in their daily activities, animals wandering within the temple precincts, and the distant pastoral landscapes adding depth to the panorama. Particularly captivating is the depiction of a bustling market within the Temple's courtyards, with vendors trading in small birds, illustrating the Temple's multifaceted role as both a religious sanctuary and a hub of daily commerce.
A beautiful example of a rare and important Bible, a typographical masterpiece noted for its beautiful engravings and maps.
Rarity
Nice examples are rare in the market. Only 3 examples noted as sold in RBH during the last 40 years.