Rosae selectissimarum virtutum quas Dei Mater orbi exhibet Pars I[-II]

1636-1637

Shoults La 1637 D

[Antwerp]: Joan. Cnobbarum

In Old French, fleur de lys translates to ‘flower of the lily, and is strongly associated with the Virgin Mary and her virtues. The three spikes are suggestive of the Holy Trinity, and the three Christian values: faith, wisdom, and chastity. Drexel’s book concerns the Virgin Mary; a popular title often reprinted during the early 17th century. In this instance the binder has matched the content extremely well by utilising a fleur de lys stamp on the covers and spine. The book also has marbled edges, albeit faded. This fashion was in vogue between 1670 and 1690, about the time this book was re-bound.