Rare German Frontispiece of Rumphius Cabinet of Curiosities, 1765

Reference
BG-13675-73
Date
1765
Region
Europe
Category
Engraving
Sheet size
33.0 x 21.9 cm (13.0 x 8.6 in)
Condition
Good
Availability
Available
Price
EUR 440

The Amboinese Cabinet of Curiosities was a work by Georg Eberhard Rumphius, and included many engravings of sea shells and crustaceans.

The German edition of the book was financed by Johann Balthasar Probst, publisher in Augsburg.

As for the print itself, it features an elaborate ornamental design typical of the Baroque period, with various figures and motifs that suggest a fanciful or mythological theme. The central cartouche is surrounded by a variety of figures, including putti (cherubic figures), one of whom is holding a shield with the text, and a snail.

The detailed etching technique and the presence of figures from nature and mythology are indicative of a time when such embellishments were common in literature, designed to captivate and intrigue the reader. The image is rich in symbolism and ornate details, which would likely appeal to collectors of antique prints.

More research is needed.

Where this sits in the catalogue

Other sheets of Europe


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