Polycode phenomenon as a macrostructural feature of the printed texts in the early Modern period

Printed texts of 16 th-18 th centuries, containing the Latin lexeme „theatrum“ in the title, are examined from the perspective of the polycode phenomenon. The author analyzes the interaction of the verbal, visual and polygraphic semiotic codes on the title pages as well as in the main text. Conclusions are drawn concerning the role of the illustrations and the textual design that represent not only the esthetic function, but mold substantive textual space making additions to its title and forming correlations with the main body of a text.