Antoine Augustin Calmet, (1672-1757) was a French Benedictine monk and Abbot of the Abbey of Senones in France. He wrote many explanations of the Bible and published his Dictionnaire historique between 1722 and 1728. This multi-volume work explains all the proper names mentioned in the Bible and includes many illustrations. It contains an essay on Jewish coins and medals and entries on animals, vegetables, minerals, stones, and gems in the Bible. The text was originally written in French; Cook Library owns volume 3 of a three-volume English translation printed in London in 1732.
This illustration is a copperplate engraving depicting King Solomon’s elevated throne, situated in the pillar-studded throne room of his palace. It is one of 160 such illustrations spread throughout the three volumes of this work.
Come and explore more of the Baltimore Hebrew Institute Special Collection by visiting Special Collections and University Archives on the fifth floor of Cook Library between 8 A.M. and 4 P.M. when the university is open.