BESSON (Jacques). Theatrum oder Schawbuch, Allerley Werckzeu - Lot 96

BESSON (Jacques). Theatrum oder Schawbuch, Allerley Werckzeug und Rüstungen [...] Mit einer augenscheinlichen Erklerung Francisci Beroaldi, auff alle und jede Figuren [...] Gebessert und illustrirt: durch J. Paschalem [...] Und nun letztlich [...] in die Hochteutsche Sprach verdolmetschet. Mömpelgard [Montbéliard], J. Foillet, 1595. In-folio of 125 pp. unencrypted. Engraved title, scale plate and 60 engravings with facing text. Chipped fawn basane, 5 false ribbed spine with fleurons, black morocco p. e t., year gilt at foot, triple cold fillet on covers, cold roulette on edges and chasses (late 19th century pastiche binding). First German edition, produced by FOILLET in Montbéliard, of the Théâtre des instrumens mathematiques et mechaniques by Jacques Besson, dauphinois, docte mathématicien, with interpretation of the figures by François Beroald. This famous illustrated work was first published in French in 1569 in Orleans, where Jacques BESSON was a professor of mathematics. In the spirit of Leonardo da VINCI, it presents various inventions for suspending carriages, fire engines, musical instruments, a new press for printing colored fabrics, a magnifying desk, etc. The 60 full-page etchings are after ANDROUET DU CERCEAU and René BOYVIN (pl. 39), whose Latin explanations on a few lines engraved at the head of the copperplate have been hidden during printing and replaced by the German numbering of the figure. BEROALD's explanations and PASCHALI's additions have been printed opposite. Tiny restoration to the upper corner of the title page, fresh interior, good printing of the engravings despite some plates being a little weak; some spotting to the binding. A fine and rare copy.