373 - Atlases

Atlases Collection of 25 topographical woodcut vignettes in the form of oval medallions. No place, no printer, no date (ca. 1590–1610). Mounted as 13 and 12 oval cutouts, respectively, on 2 sheets of handmade paper (WZ Traube). Each approx. 6 x 7.5 cm (vignettes), approx. 42 x 27.5 cm (sheets) A curious and unique collection of high-quality topographical woodcut medallions by an anonymous master. - Cf. Koeman II, 53 (for Braun/Hogenberg). - Featuring views of previously unknown early depictions of important urban and commercial centers, presumably produced as proof prints for a *Carte à Figures* wall map. Includes depictions of American cities (Havana, Potosí (Bolivia), and Cusco (Peru)), European cities (Bergen, Stockholm, Antwerp, and Pozzuoli), and African cities (Ceuta, Tangier, Salé (Morocco), Azammour (Morocco), Tunis, Mombasa, Elmina Castle (Ghana), Ascension, and St. Helena), and Asian (Aden (Yemen), Diu, Goa, Kozhikode, and Kannur (all in India), Ternate and Tidore (Moluccas, Indonesia)) locations, as well as a view of a camp of Tatar warriors. - The woodcuts are based, among other sources, on Hogenberg’s works for Braun’s *Civitates Orbis Terrarum* (1572–1618) and Huygen van Linschoten’s *Itinerario* (1596). - The leaves have small, partly backed-up missing areas and tears in the lower white margin; there is also slight water staining in these areas, and the upper margins show browning due to previous mounting. Two vignettes have been removed from one of the leaves. - Overall, a well-preserved, unique cartographic document. Atlas. - A curious and unique collection of high-quality topographical woodcut medallions by an unnamed master. - For references, see above. - Featuring views of previously unknown early depictions of important urban and trading centers, presumably produced as trial prints for a wall map composed of individual figures. - Contains depictions of Meso- and South American cities (Havana, Potosí (Bolivia), and Cusco (Peru)), European cities (Bergen, Stockholm, Antwerp, and Pozzuoli), African cities (Ceuta, Tangier, Salé (Morocco), Azammour (Morocco), Tunis, Mombasa, Elmina Castle (Ghana), Ascension, and St. Helena), and Asian (Aden (Yemen), Diu, Goa, Kozhikode, and Kannur (all in India), Ternate, and Tidore (Moluccas, Indonesia)) locations, as well as a view of a Tatar warrior camp. - The woodcuts are based, among other sources, on Hogenberg’s work for Braun’s *Civitates Orbis Terrarum* (1572–1618) and Huygen van Linschoten’s *Itinerario* (1596). - The sheets have small, partially repaired losses and tears in the lower white margin, along with minor imperfections there, as well as tight water stains. There is browning along the upper edges from previous mounting. Two vignettes have been removed from one of the sheets. Overall, this is a well-preserved set of early and highly interesting topographical woodcuts. - Overall, a well-preserved, unique cartographic document.