1681 Cornelius a Lapide – Commentaria in Pentateuchum Mosis – Massive Antwerp Folio – Original Leather

A monumental 17th-century folio edition of Commentaria in Pentateuchum Mosis by the Jesuit scholar Cornelius a Lapide — one of the most respected Catholic biblical commentators of the early modern period.

Printed in Antwerp in 1681, this edition represents the mature Counter-Reformation exegetical tradition. A Lapide’s commentaries were foundational within Jesuit scholarship and remained influential for centuries in Catholic theological education.

This volume includes:

• Engraved architectural title page featuring Moses enthroned beneath the Divine Name (יהוה)

• Rich allegorical engravings and ornamental initials

• Large chronological folding chart spanning sacred and secular history

• Dense Latin commentary on Genesis through Deuteronomy

• Striking memento mori emblematic woodcut (“Elige Vitæ aut Mortis”)

The engraving program alone reflects high Baroque religious symbolism — Temple imagery, sacrificial scenes, covenantal typology, and Christological fulfillment woven directly into Pentateuch commentary.

This is a physically imposing book, it’s thick, wide, and unmistakably 17th century in presence.

Binding

Original full calf over boards

Raised bands

Gilt spine tooling with small floral devices

Blind-stamped panel decoration to covers

Wear to spine extremities with loss at foot

Front hinge cracked but holding

Boards solid and attached

Interior generally clean with age toning

Large folding chronological table present (often missing in copies)

Condition Notes

• Heavy wear at spine foot

• Upper spine corner chipped

• Evidence of age, handling, and use

• Structurally intact

• Text complete

• Engravings strong and clear

• No modern rebinding

This is an honest 17th-century survivor, not a polished decorative prop.

Why This Matters

Cornelius a Lapide was not fringe. He was central to post-Tridentine Catholic scholarship. His commentaries were widely circulated, cited, and reprinted throughout Europe.

For anyone studying:

• Counter-Reformation theology

• Jesuit biblical interpretation

• Early modern Pentateuch exegesis

• Catholic hermeneutics before Enlightenment criticism

• Sacred chronology traditions

— this is primary material.

And let’s be honest, the sheer presence of a 1681 folio on your desk changes the atmosphere of a room.