Title
Frontispiece of P.Marchand, "Histoire de l' origine et des premiers progrès de l' imprimerie", The Hague, 1740
Creator
Schley, J.V. (graveur/engraver), Le Vier, Wed. (drukker/printer), Paupie, Pierre (drukker/printer)
Year
1740
Type
titelblad, title page
Measurements
19 x 15 cm.
Related term
boekdrukkunst, titelprenten
Period
18e eeuw
Classification
D: Geschiedenis van de boekdrukkunst
Content
This engraving represents an allegorical ode to the art of printing. The `Art of Printing', personified by a female figure, is descending from heaven. To her left and right are Minerva and Mercury, the gods of wisdom and protectors of the arts. According to the caption `the Art of Printing' is entrusted by these two gods to `Germany', Gutenberg's country, who introduces her to `Holland', `England', `Italy', and `France' the first four countries were the art of printing was applied. The personifications of the countries have been represented with the portraits of their most important printers. `Holland' is leaning on a portrait of Laurens Janszoon Coster.
Original
Marchand, P. - Histoire de l'origine et des premiers progrès de l'imprimerie. - Den Haag: Wed. Le Vier & Pierre Paupie, 1740, titelprent
available in
Koninklijke Bibliotheek, Den Haag 3118 A 7
@description
Den Haag Koninklijke Bibliotheek
@reproduction
Den Haag Koninklijke Bibliotheek