Thott Birgitte (2 results)

12,0 x 10,5 cm. [SW - Porträt, Portrait].

First edition of the first translation of Seneca into Danish, the first complete translation of any classical author into this language, and a pioneering statement of Danish proto-feminism. In her preface, Thott dedicates the work to women, arguing eloquently for women's right to study and access knowledge. Complete copies with Thott's portrait are uncommon on the market. Brigitte Thott (16101662) was a Danish noblewoman, scholar, and educator who combined classical erudition with a role as an active champion of women's rights. A monumental volume of almost 1,000 pages, this book is "one of the most eminent books of the seventeenth century" (Alenius, p. 448), not least because it introduced numerous neologism into modern Danish. The book is also often described as a masterpiece of the Sorø Academy for its attractive production, being a large folio printed with beautiful types and featuring two large plates. The portrait is based on a lost painting by Abraham Wuchter; the frontispiece depicts Seneca alongside the Virtues, and Thott sitting atop a pile of books, dressed as the goddess of wisdom Minerva. Bibliotheca Danica IV, p. 132. Marianne Alenius, "Birgitte Thott", in Marianne Stecher-Hansen, ed., Danish Writers from the Reformation to Decadence, 1550-1900, 2004. Folio (300 x 190 mm), pp. [xl], 183, [3], 324, 374, [2]. Engraved frontispiece and large folding portrait of author by Albrecht Haelwegh, woodcut floriated initials. Mid-18th-century sprinkled half calf, raised bands, floral gilt decoration in compartments, marbled sides and edges. Extremities worn, loss at head of spine and corners, intermittent and mainly marginal foxing and damp staining (heavier to a few initial leaves), old paper restorations to 6 leaves, worm trails in margins of a few central gatherings occasionally just touching lettering, the contents otherwise clean and presenting well despite these flaws. A very good copy.