Vaenius, O. (= O. van Veen). Batavorum cum Romanis Bellum,

a Corn. Tacito lib. IV. & V. Hist. olim descriptum, figuris nunc aeneis expressum. De Batavische ofte Hollandtsche oorloghe teghen de Romeynen. Antw., the author, 1612, (2) letterpress p. w title and short introd., followed by 36 etched plates by Antonio Tempesta after Van Veen. Captions in Dutch and Latin below the image, and w. letterpress text in Latin (w. manuscript translations in French below), printed on the verso of preceding lvs. Cont. speckled calf, gilt and ribbed spine, obl. 4to. The title-p. w. various signs, letters and numbers in pen obscuring the words "A Corn." to "Hist." - possibly a cryptic annotation by a previous owner. Offsetting from turn-ins at front and rear, small brown stain in lower margin throughout; brown waterst. in lower corners and upper margin of plate 29 and the juxtaposed text. Upper joint split and spine dam., outer corners worn.

First edition of this series of fine etchings by Antonio Tempesta after drawings by Otto van Veen, court painter of Alessandro Farnese. The work illustrates Tacitus's account of the revolt of Gaius Julius Civilis against Rome in 69-70 AD. The first, circular plate (the personifications of Rome and Batavia shaking hands on the battlefield), is signed "Ant. Tempesta f. Anno 1611".