154 - David Kandel, Table of Cebete. Venice: Published by Francesco Sansoni, 1771. Engraving. 390x430 mm. Sheet size: 402x575 mm. With the monogram “DK” in intertwined letters at the base of the column in the foreground. As the monogram suggests, the engraving is derived from the Tabula Cebetis carved by David Kandel around 1560–1563 and intended for Hieronymus Wolff’s volume, *Epicteti Enchiridion...*, Basel 1563. Cebes of Thebes (ca. 430–350 B.C.) was part of Socrates’ inner circle. One of the dialogues attributed to him is the Pinax or Tabula, also known as the Table of Cebes. The Tabula was well known in antiquity, and after its first modern publication in the late 15th century, it remained popular in Europe throughout the 18th century, as shown by this engraving that accompanied Cornelio Pepoli’s volume, Lettere instruttive intorno alla Tavola di Cebete …under the pastoral pseudonym of Cratejo Erasiniano (Venice: Published by Francesco Sansoni, 1771). Essentially, the Table of Cebete is an allegory representing the dangers and temptations that beset man and threaten to divert him from a life based on piety and study. It is often depicted as three concentric walls, each accessible through a single gate and populated by a variety of figures engaged in the pursuit of knowledge; the ultimate goal of this journey is Happiness, depicted seated on a rock at the center of the three enclosures. A beautiful print on thin laid paper without a watermark. (1) Sheet intact with wide margins. A vertical fold down the center, open at the bottom for a short distance. Traces of folds from being inserted into a volume, reinforced on the reverse with “Giappone” paper.