Out of Scope: Unexpected Titles in the Rare Book Collections

Paulus Freher (1611-1682) was a German physician and poet who is best known for his Theatrum virorum eruditione clarorum, a large biographical and bibliographical work.

The engraved illustrations were made by Joachim von Sandrart. The allegorical frontispiece depicts personifications of the four professions covered in the work. Religion is represented on the far left by the figure wearing the sash and medallion; the sash is labeled "Orando" (I pray) and she wears a medallion inscribed with "IHS" (the first three letters of Jesus's name in Greek). Next to her is a healer, as indicated by her sash labeled "Sanando" (I heal) as well as her herbs, flask, and skull. The third figure represents Philosophy and holds a scepter and mirror. Justice is seated on the right; she holds a pair of scales in her hand and wears a blindfold to indicate impartiality.