Four Books on Human Proportion

From the leaf

A circular, hand-colored emblem or bookplate appears here. The outer white ring contains the Latin inscription "Hermetic Philosophy" original: "PHILOSOPHIA HERMETICA" in uppercase serif letters. Inside a green oval frame on a blue field, a white pelican is shown "in its piety." This is a traditional symbolic pose where the mother bird pecks her own breast to feed her young with her blood. Above the bird, a green heart-shaped vessel emits golden rays of light. Below the bird, a small white shield features four red roses placed in the four quarters of a red cross.

Hermetic PhilosophyA spiritual and philosophical tradition based on ancient writings. It focuses on the pursuit of hidden knowledge, alchemy, and the relationship between the divine and the physical world.

Pelican in her pietyA symbol of self-sacrifice and devotion. In this motif, the pelican nourishes her young with her own blood, often representing the sacrifice of Christ or the alchemical process of purification.

RosicrucianRefers to the Rose Cross, a symbol of a secret society that emerged in the early 17th century. They sought a universal reformation of mankind through mystical and scientific study.

EmblemA symbolic image often accompanied by a motto. These were highly popular in the 16th and 17th centuries as tools for moral and philosophical instruction.

BookplateA decorative label pasted into a book to indicate ownership. The presence of this specific emblem suggests the book was once owned by someone interested in esoteric or mystical traditions.