CAROLVS II.

print. engraving and etching. CAROLVS II. SOCIETATIS REGALIS AVTHOR & PATRONVS - SOCIETATIS PRAESES - ARTIVM INSTAVRATOR Evelyn inv D.D.C.; Wenceslaus Hollar f.1667. [London] [J. Martyn] 1667. [trimmed to] 20x16.5cm. Frontispiece from 4to version of first edition of: History of the Royal Society of London, for the improving of natural knowledge/Thomas Sprat. - London, T.R. for J. Martyn, 1667. The frontispiece consisting of the arms of the Royal Society appeared in editions of 1667, 1702 and 1722, but was omitted from the fourth edition of 1734. This second frontispiece appeared only in the larger impressions of the first edition of 1667. Portraits; Bust of Charles II, patron of the Royal Society, upon an inscribed pedestal and crowned by the figure of Fame. Supported to l. by Viscount Brouncker, first President of the Society; to r. by Sir Francis Bacon, instigator of concept of a society of scientists and philosophers in The New Atlantis. Above, the coat of arms of the Society. In gallery setting, opening to world beyond, amid books and various scientific Instruments. Charles II, King of Great Britain 1630-1685. Bacon, Francis. Hollar, Wenceslaus 1607-1677.