Festival Book on Wedding of William V, Duke of Bavaria, with Renata of Lorraine

Title: "Kurtze doch gegründte beschreibung des Durchleuchtigen… Fürsten… Wilhalmen Pfaltzgraven bey Rhein Hertzogen inn Obern und Nidern Bairen Und derselben geliebsten Gemahel der… Fürstin… Renata gebornne Hertzogin zu Lottringen… gehalten Hochzeitlichen Ehren Fests..."
An early printed book describing the marriage of Renata of Lorraine (1544–1602) to William V the Pious, Duke of Bavaria (1548–1626). The ceremony took place on 22 February 1568. Thanks to this book, probably published the same year in Munich, the entire course of the ceremony and the accompanying attractions are known.
This extremely rare and valuable European 16th century book is special owing to its woodcut illustrations by the German artist Nicolaus Solis. The hand-coloured engravings depict the whole cycle of events connected with the marriage ceremony of the princely couple, including the knightly tournaments and lavish receptions. The colourful and detailed illustrations give an insight into the appearance of cities, people and customs in the second half of the 16th century.