An exceptional engraving with original hand-coloring for Georg Braun & Franz Hogenberg's “Livre Qvatriesme des Principales Villes du Monde”. Published in Frankfurt, c. 1588. (Image: 14 1/4 x 8 3/4'')
This colorful title page is for volume four of a monumental work on the great cities of the world. The title is engraved onto an architectural monument around which seven female figures from Roman mythology are gathered.
Each of the figures is named: Constantia (Steadfast), Honor (Honor and Valor), Dignitas (Virtue), Pax (Peace), Iustitia (Justice), Diligenti (Diligence), and Sapientia (Wisdom). Latin text on verso.
“An integral part of map collecting is the study of frontispieces and title pages of atlases. They are usually very elaborate affairs, engraved by the finest craftsmen available, not only announcing the title of the volume, but enticing the viewer to look further into the pages...” (R. B. Williams; Investing in Maps; p.147-9). “It is important that what was once the first and most important display leaf in a valuable work should be treasured…” (Rodney W. Shirley, The Map Collector, #46 p. 17).
Shipped unmatted
