Apologeticus

1718

Shoults Lb 1718 T

[Leiden: Isaac Severinus]

This vellum-covered edition of Tertullian’s Apologeticus was a Hague prize awarded to one Johann P. Van der Haer, dated March 1747. The five compartments along the spine have gold acorn ornaments, repeated again in the four corners. Double-fillets create a border on the outer edges of the covers. The centrepiece (a popular form of decoration) is a large gilt central figure of Athena (Minerva) with her owl, and the standing shield bearing the coat-of-arms of The Hague. The legend ‘Hagae Comitis’ (Hague, Netherlands) is visible. While the use of vellum in bindings dwindled in England about the 1660s, continental binders continued to use it well into the 18th century. The leaf edges have been sprinkled red; a mere fashion accessory.