Second edition of a calligraphic model book by the best penman of the Dutch Republic, Ambrosius Perling(h) (1657-1718). Perling had the first edition published at his own expense in 1679. The De Broen family in Amsterdam published the present second edition and a third edition of ca. 1740. They had also brokered the rights to sell all the other works by Perling. For the present second edition Wilhem de Broen added 4 extra calligraphic models depicting animal grotesques, which are certainly highlights of the work.
Calligraphy was a respected and traditional art form in Dutch culture and Perling was brought forward especially by the publishers of his work as the most important calligrapher of his time. He had a prolific influence on the further development of the art in England according to Croiset van Uchelen: "While 16th and early 17th century Italian handwriting had still been formed in a rather compressed and angular manner, the Dutch masters developed a broader and more rounded variant which, so far as writing line is concerned, was written at a wider sloping angle. This hand, which could be written more quickly, was imitated and developed further by a number of English masters".
With some manuscript calligraphic inscriptions in ink. Minor spotting to the leaves, a small stain in the top margin of 12 leaves in the middle of the book. Binding rubbed, foot of spine worn. Otherwise in good condition. Ton Croiset van Unchelen "The writing master Ambrosius Perling", in: Quaerendo, 26, pp. 167-197); Ton Croiset van Uchelen, Van pen tot laser, IIa; STCN 283572957 (4 complete copies).