[Ars moriendi - Capranica, Dominicus]. Speculum artis bene moriendi de temptationibus penis infernalibus interrogationibus agonisantium. et varijs orationibus pro illoque salute faciendis.

€ 12,500.00

The first of the two undated editions of the "Mirror of the Art of Dying Well" by the Italian theologian, canonist, statesman, and cardinal Domenico Capranica (1400-58), published by Quentell in the 1490s. Pellechet cites one edition dated around 1496, and another dated around 1498. Although slightly differing in text, both editions bear an "Accipies" woodcut, showing a teacher inspired by the Holy Ghost (in the form of a dove on his shoulder) lecturing two disciples, which was used by Quentell between 1490 and 1500. A 17th or 18th century Latin note in ink below the woodcut mentions its recurring appearance in Quentell publications: "N. Haec figura sequenti etiam operi, ab Henrico Quentell Coloniae impresso, praefixa est".

A popular genre of devotional literature of the Middle Ages, "ars moriendi" works were widely distributed both in manuscript and printed form. Capranica created his "Speculum" in 1452; it saw a German translation in 1473.

Binding somewhat rubbed. Paper evenly browned throughout. A few contemporary marginal notes and underlinings. Bookplates of the numismatist and bibliophile Jean-Baptiste Colbert de Beaulieu (1905-95) and of Jean Stefgen to front and back flyleaf. Another ownership, dated 20 July 1874, in pencil to front flyleaf. Several bibliographical notes in pencil to flyleaves.