An elaborate allegorical frontispiece engraving. On the left, a winged sphinx with a human head and female breasts crouches upon a rocky precipice. In the foreground, the hero Oedipus stands facing the sphinx; he is depicted with classical features, long hair, and a short tunic, gesturing with his right hand toward the sphinx while holding a tall spear in his left. The background features an Egyptian landscape with palm trees, two obelisks, a pyramid, and the facade of a classical temple or palace. Above the scene, appearing through the clouds, are two winged female figures, personifications of Experience and Reason, carrying banners and supporting an open book. Below the book float eight circular medallions containing the names of various philosophical and mystical traditions. The entire scene is framed by a decorative border, with a large ornamental cartouche at the bottom containing the main title text.

BY AUTHORITY

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ATHANASIUS KIRCHER OF THE SOCIETY OF JESUS

EGYPTIAN OEDIPUS

TO FERDINAND III, FOREVER AUGUST EMPEROR.

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