16th Century Art

Engraving by Joannes and Lucas van Doetecum (Deventer active by 1551 - circa 1569 Haarlem) in the manner of Peter Bruegel the Elder

L'Annunziata in S. M. sopra Minerva is an original old master artwork realized by Giovanni Fontana. Ivory colored sheet attached on an ivory colored cardboard ( cm 35.8 x 26.7) Bea...

Jean Pichore workshop, 1500-1541 Crucifixion Metal cut engraving printed on vellum with vintage hand coloring c. 1500-1541 Miniature (image) size: 4 3/4 x 3 1/8" Including decorated ...

2nd State Watermark: Hand with Cuff and Flower (close to Briquet 11467)

Monumento al popolo is an original drawing realized by Giovanni Fontana in the 16th century. Ivory colored paper attached on an ivory colored sheet. Includes frame: 48.5 x 1 x 44 c Beautiful drawing in graphite, representing the funeral monument...

Hans Sebald Beham (1500-1550), an engraving after Beham’s Two Fools (or Fool and Foolish Woman), engraving, c 1540, a copy or impression in reverse of Pauli 215, Bartsch 213, the cop...

This is a framed 16th century hand-colored copperplate map of northern Italy entitled "Veronae Urbis Territorium a Bernardo Bragnolo Descriptium" by Abraham Ortelius from his atlas "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum", which was the first modern atlas of the world, with the first volume published in 1570. This map was part of a subsequent volume, published in Antwerp in 1584. It was based on an earlier map by Bernardo Brognoli. This beautiful map of northern Italy is focussed on Verona and its environs, including Mantua. Lake Garda and the South Tyrol mountains are prominently depicted. There is a very large striking cartouche in the upper left and a decorative distance scale in the lower right. This striking hand-colored map of northern Italy is presented in a gold-colored wood frame and an olive green-colored mat. It is glazed with UV conservation glass. All mounting materials used are archival. The frame measures 21.5" high by 28" wide by 0.75" deep. There is a central vertical fold, as issued, with slight separation of the lower portion of the fold. There are faint spots in the upper and right margins, but the map is otherwise in very good condition. Abraham Ortelius (also known as Ortels, Orthellius, and Wortels) (1527-1598) was a Dutch cartographer, geographer, and cosmographer. He began his career as a map colorist. In 1547 he entered the Antwerp guild of St Luke as an "illuminator of maps". He had an affinity for business from an early age and most of his journeys before 1560, were for business. He was a dealer in antiques, coins, maps, and books. 
His business income allowed him to acquire an extensive collection of medals, coins, and antiques, as well as a large library of books...

engraving and etching by A. Collaert after Hans Bol Watermark: Letter P (Briquet 8718, Grevenbroich 1572)

This is a 16th century original hand-colored copperplate engraved map of a bird's-eye View of Embden, Germany entitled " Emuda, vulgo Embden vrbs Frisia orientalis primaria" by Georg Braun & Franz Hogenberg, in volume II of their famous city atlas "Civitates Orbis Terrarum", published in Cologne, Germany in 1575. This is a beautifully colored and detailed map of Emden, a seaport in northwestern Germany, along the Ems River and perhaps portions of over Dollart Bay, near the border with the Netherland. The map depicts a bird's-eye view of the city from the southwest, as well as a view of the harbor and an extensive system of canals. Numerous ships of various sizes, as well as two rowboats containing numerous occupants are seen in the main waterway in the foreground and additional boats line two canals in the center of the city. Two men and two women are shown on a hill in the foreground on the right, dressed in the 16th century style of nobility. Two ornate crests are included in each corner. A title strap-work cartouche is in the upper center with the title in Latin. The crest on the right including Engelke up de Muer (The Little Angel on the Wall) was granted by Emperor Maximilian I in 1495. This is an English translation of an excerpt of Braun's description of Embden: "In Emden, the capital of East Frisia, rich merchants live in very fine houses. The city has a broad and well-situated harbour, which in my opinion is unique in Holland. Frisia and the whole of the Netherlands, for the ships can anchor here right under the city walls. They have also extended the harbour as far as the New Town, so that up to 400 ships can now find shelter here when the sea is rough." The emphasis on the harbor and waterways within the city highlights the importance of Emden's place as a seaport at this time. Embden developed from a Dutch/Flemish trading settlement in the 7th-8th centuries into a city as late as late 14th century. In 1494 it was granted staple rights, and in 1536 the harbour was extended. In the mid-16th century Emden's port was thought to have the most ships in Europe. Its population then was about 5,000, rising to 15,000 by the end of the 16th century. The Ems River flowed directly under the city walls, but its course was changed in the 17th century by the construction of a canal. Emden has canals within its city limits, a typical feature of Dutch towns, which also enabled the extension of the harbor. In 1744 Emden was annexed by Prussia and is now part of Germany. It was captured by French forces in 1757 during the Seven Years' War, but recaptured by Anglo-German forces in 1758. During the Napoleonic French era, Emden and the surrounding lands of East Frisia were part of the short-lived Kingdom of Holland. References:Van der Krogt 4, 1230, State 2; Taschen, Braun and Hogenberg...

Lucas Van Leyden (1494-1533) Virgin and Child on a Crescent Engraving, 1523 120x77 mm; 4 ¾ x 3 1/8 inches, thread margins frame : 16 x 11 in. Note : very good, dark clean impressi...

This View of Brilium is an original etching realized by George Braun and Franz Hogenberg as part of the famous series "Civitates Orbis Terrarum". The “Civitates Orbis Terrarum” (At...

Braun G., Hogenberg F., Candia, (Heraklion, Crete) from the collection Civitates Orbis Terrarum, Cologne, T. Graminaeus, 1572-1617. Very fine B/W aquatint showing a view of Heraklio...

Etching 195 x 295 mm.; 7 3/4 x 11 3/4 inches Exhibited: Old Master Prints & Drawings: 1450 - 1850, R. S. Johnson Fine Art, December 1999: no. 21. Reference: Hollstein 68 I/II No...

This is an original 16th century copperplate originally hand-colored engraved map of View of Seravalle, Italy entitled "Seravallum Celeberrimum Marchiae Tarvisiniae in Agro Foro Juliensi Opp. - Seravalli, quam vides, Spectator, iconem, operi huic nostro suis sumptib. . . ." by Georg Braun & Franz Hogenberg, from their famous city atlas "Civitates Orbis Terrarum", published in Augsberg, Germany in 1575. The map depicts a view of Seravalle, now Vittorio Veneto, in San Marino, Italy, north of Venice, in a topographically accurate bird's-eye view from the south. A water-filled moat is seen to the south of the city walls and farmland to the east. Two men are depicted standing on a hill in the lower right in conversation next to grain sacks and a grazing horse, while a younger man behind them to the right herds a mule carrying presumably pigs. A very colorful and ornate title cartouche is in the upper center and coat-of-arms are in the right and left upper corners. Serravalle lies in an idyllic setting in the foothills and surrounded by orchards. St Mary's Cathedral with its tall bell tower is prominent in the center of the town. The marketplace and town hall with a bell tower in the square are depicted. Houses and shops are around the main square. Serravalle's importance as an agricultural centre is emphasized by the figures in the foreground. In 1337 Serravalle was conquered by the Republic of Venice. In 1866 the town was united with neighbouring Ceneda to form the town of Vittorio Veneto. The following is an English translation of an excerpt from the French description of the city on the back of the map: "Serravalle, a market town renowned for cloth, wine and grain, is in such a beautiful situation that the number of its inhabitants, attracted by the loveliness of the place, has grown so much at times that the wall encircling it has had to be enlarged for the third time. The city with the surrounding town once belonged to the Church in Ceneda as an imperial fief. It subsequently became the seat of the Da Camino family (a princely house that at that time was one of the five most noble in all Italy). Now the city is under the sway of the Venetians but is prudently governed by them. For they send only one city councillor with instructions to ensure that justice prevails and to collect duties. In all else, power lies in the hands of the noble families." This is a translation of the Latin in the title cartouche on the front: "The picture of the town of Serravalle, which you see, viewer, has been contributed to our work entirely at his own expense by Minutius, son of Hieronymus Minutius, a noble gentleman and one renowned for the far-reaching competence of his jurisdiction. We saw him sojourning in Cologne, where he was on business for Gregory XIII; while our good wishes accompany him, we should also like to accompany him on his way with this remembrance, even though it might be against his will, so that even those who have not seen him may learn of his excellence. However, those who do not yet know him will also see his excellence if God the Almighthy does not summon erring souls too soon back to the eternal seat of the Blessed." References: Van der Krogt 4, 4728, State 1; Taschen, Braun and Hogenberg, p.331; Fauser, #14960 This striking hand-colored city view is printed on laid, chain-linked paper with wide margins. The sheet measures 16" high by 21" wide. There is a central vertical fold as issued and French text on the verso, with Latin on the front. There is some discoloration in the upper and right margins which may represent some watercolor paint from the time of the original hand-coloring of the map. There is a small hole to the right of the upper portion of the vertical fold, which is only visible when held up to light and an area of reinforcement on the verso of the lower vertical fold. The map is otherwise in very good to excellent condition. Braun and Hogenberg's 'The Civitates Orbis Terrarum' was the second atlas of maps ever published and the first atlas of cities and towns of the world. It is one of the most important books published in the 16th century. Most of the maps in the atlas were engraved by Franz Hogenberg and the text, with its descriptions of the history and additional factual information of the cities, was written by a team of writers and edited by Georg Braun. The work contained 546 bird-eye views and map views of cities and towns from all over the world. It gave graphic representation of the main features of the illustrated cities and towns, including the buildings and streets. Although the ordinary buildings are stylized, the principal buildings are reproduced from actual drawings created on location. The principal landmarks and streets can still be recognized today. In addition, the maps often include the heraldic arms of the city, the nature of the surrounding countryside, the important rivers, streams and harbors, even depicting stone bridges, wooden pontoons, flat-bottomed ferries, ships and working boats, wharves and jetties, as well as land-based activities, including horsemen, pedestrians, wagons, coaches, and palanquins. Small vignettes are often included which illustrate the trade, occupations and habits of the local inhabitants, such as agriculture, paper-making and textiles, as well as local forms of punishment, such as gibbets, wheels, floggings etc. Large figures dressed in their local costume are often presented out of proportion in the foreground. The aim of the authors was to give as much information as possible in a pleasing visual form. They succeeded in creating maps that were both informative and decorative works of art. The atlas is a wonderful glimpse of life in medieval Europe. Georg Braun (1541-1622) was German Catholic...

The View of Strubing (ancient nam: Stravbinca) is an original etching realized by George Braun and Franz Hogenberg, as part of the "Civitates Orbis Terrarum" The “Civitates Orbis Te...

Tribuna della Basilica Labicana is an original old master artwork realized in 16th century by Giovanna Fontana. IIvory colored paper attached on an ivory colored sheet (cm 27 x 36.7...

This is a 16th century original hand-colored copperplate engraved map of View of View of Meissen, Germany entitled "Misena Hermun Duvorum Urbs" by Georg Braun & Franz Hogenberg, from their famous city atlas "Civitates Orbis Terrarum", published in Cologne, Germany in 1575. The map depicts a side view and bird's-eye view, looking across the Elbe River (labelled Albis Fluvius on the map; White River in Latin) from the northeast. In the foreground are three women in conversation on a hill above the city, along with a man and a woman in conversation by a road, all dressed in contemporary costumes of the upper class. A coat-of-arms is present in each upper corner. A great castle sits atop a hill in the background on the left. Meissen grew up around Albrechtsburg castle, built by Emperor Henry I around AD 929, and was granted a municipal charter at the end of the 12th century. From 1471 onwards, the castle complex was reconstructed as the residence of the Saxon electors on the northeast corner of the Domberg (Cathedral Hill). Meissen cathedral is a Gothic hall church begun c. 1270; in 1413 a bolt of lightning destroyed its west towers, which were replaced only in the 20th century. Meissen lies to the northwest of Dresden, Germany in Saxony. Meissen is famous for its Meissen porcelain and the Albrechtsburg castle The following is an English translation of an excerpt from Braun's description of the city:  "This city is surrounded by very many rivers, to the east flows the Elbe, to the south the Triebisch, to the west are the mountains, to the north the Meisse, after which the city is said to be named. The city is well-situated in its surroundings, the navigable rivers, the mountains and the healthy air. Around the city there is a good land to grow grain, fertile vineyards on the hillsides and without doubt the mountains are not without ore, for one mile away, up the Elbe, is Scharfenberg, where silver and lead ore are mined.." 
  References: Van der Krogt 4, 2684; Taschen, Braun and Hogenberg...

Ancient Map of Calaris is an original etching belonging to the collection "Civitates Orbis Terrarurm" realized by Georg Braun and Frans Hogenberg. The Civitates Orbis Terrarum (Atla...

This Burdegalen is an original etching realized in about 1575 by George Braun (1541 – 1622) The state of preservation of the artwork is good and aged on the edges of the sheet with...

2nd state Watermark: Hand with Cuff and Flower (close to Briquet 11467)

"Broversavia", from the collection "Civitates Orbis Terrarum", Cologne, T. Graminaeus, 1575. The “Civitates Orbis Terrarum” (Atlas of Cities of the World) was the second oldest pr...

A very fine, well contrasted impression of the 1st State, before the addition of the number, present when the work later was included in Bol’s River Series.

Ca. 1578, Engraving "Siculus" - from the portfolio “The Stables of Don John of Austria” (Equile Austriaci Caroli V)" After Jan van der Straet (Stradanus). An Old Master print from the series of 43 engravings depicting horses of different breeds from the stables of John of Austria (1547-1578), son of Emperor Charles V. Each print shows a horse in the foreground on a hilltop overlooking a distant landscape. Each bears it's title breed, centered upper edge, with two columns of brief explanatory Latin texts in the lower margins. Published by Philips Galle...

Engraving after Luca Penni

This Map of Broversavia is an original etching realized by George Braun (1541 – 1622) The state of preservation of the artwork is good and aged on the edges of the sheet with a few...

Tempera on wood depicting a half-length female figure; she wears a red dress over a light-colored tunic, while a green drape rests on her right shoulder. The red hair is tied up with a central parting and is partly covered by a white headdress; the full face has an absorbed expression: a thoughtful gaze, arched eyebrows and slightly furrowed lips. Presented in a frame made with parts of an ancient larger frame. Historical-critical analysis: Our table in question is one of the numerous derivations from a lost fresco by Andrea del Sarto...

Braun G., Hogenberg F., "Calecut", (Kolkata) from the collection "Civitates Orbis Terrarum", Cologne, T. Graminaeus, 1572-1617. Image Dim: cm 18.5 x 48 Dim: cm 21.5 x 53 . Very Fine...

Braun G., Hogenberg F., "Vindesorium" or Windsor", from the collection "Civitates Orbis Terrarum", Cologne, T. Graminaeus, 1572-1617. Image Dim: cm 18 x 48 , Dim: cm 20.5 x 54. Very...

Four engravings from 'Emblemi di Achille Bocchi', realized in 1555, are original Engravings. Dimension: 17 x 12,5 cm each. Four sheets from Achillis Bo...

Braun G., Hogenberg F., "Toledo", from the collection "Civitates Orbis Terrarum", Cologne, T. Graminaeus, 1572-1617. Image Dim: cm 19 x 48 , Dim: cm 22. 5 x 52.5 . Very nice B/W Aquatint representing a View of Toledo...

16th-century Florentine sculptor, greyhound in pietra serena. This fascinating sculpture, which has come down to us in fragmentary form, depicts a dog, an elegant greyhound crouching...

Etching by Georg Braun and Frans Hogenberg, realized in 1575 and belonging to the Suite "Civitates Orbis Terrarum". The first volume of the Civitates Orbis Terrarum was published in ...

Braun G., Hogenberg F., Ypra (Ypres), from the collection Civitates Orbis Terrarum, Cologne, T. Graminaeus, 1572-1617. The “Civitates Orbis Terrarum” (Atlas of Cities of the World) ...

"Goricum", from the collection "Civitates Orbis Terrarum", Cologne, T. Graminaeus, 1575. The “Civitates Orbis Terrarum” (Atlas of Cities of the World) was the second oldest printe...

MUSEUM PAIR FLYING ANGELS Brabant/Brussels Around 1500 Oak wood, full round carved Height 40/38 cm These two figures are a pair of flying angels mad...

Rare proof engraved by the author after Michelangelo Buonarroti. Second state on two, with the excudit by Lafrefi. Paper with the ancient watermark of the anchor in the circle. Excel...

Georg Lemberger (German, c. 1490 – 1540) Matthew the Evangelist Woodcut on paper 5.3/4 x 3.3/4in. (14.5 x 9.6 cm. ) Hollstein, 7. This is from the New German bible...

Braun G., Hogenberg F., Dantziat, from the collection Civitates Orbis Terrarum, Cologne, T. Graminaeus, 1572-1617. Image dimensions: cm 32.8 x 47.9; dimensions: cm 42 x 55.3; passep...

Braun G., Hogenberg F., Buda, from the collection Civitates Orbis Terrarum, Cologne, T. Graminaeus, 1572-1617. Very fine B/W aquatint showing a view of Buda, an actual part of Budap...

This Safi is an original etching realized by George Braun (1541 – 1622) The state of preservation of the artwork is good. Interesting B/W etching on coeval paper, this artwork rep...

Braun G., Hogenberg F., Aden, from the collection Civitates Orbis Terrarum, Cologne, T. Graminaeus, 1572-1617. Good conditions except some stains on margins and a central fold. The ...

Attributed to Jan VAN DER STRAET, called Stradanus (Bruges, 1523 – Florence, 1605) Hunting Scene Pen and brown ink, brown wash and white heightening on prepared brown paper, 26 × 31 cm Unsigned Provenance Private collection, France This striking and highly accomplished drawing depicts a wild boar hunt in a wooded landscape, animated by numerous figures and animals. The dramatic energy of the foreground, where hounds and hunters engage the beast, is heightened by the bold use of white heightening, which models the forms and enlivens the surface. The background, structured by tall trees and populated with additional hunting scenes, lends the composition a theatrical depth. Attributed to Jan van der Straet, known as Stradanus, this work belongs to the artistic context of Medicean Florence, where the artist developed an important body of hunting scenes intended for illustration and engraving. Influenced by Italian Renaissance models as well as his native Flemish culture, Stradanus excelled in dynamic storytelling and elegant draftsmanship. The drawing may have been a preparatory study for one of the compositions from the celebrated Venationes Ferarum, Avium, Piscium series, engraved in Antwerp under the supervision of Philips Galle...

Sleeping Boy is an original modern artwork realized in the 16th century by Giovanni Fontana. Ivory colored sheet attached on an ivory colored cardboard (...

Braun G. & Hogenberg F., Praga, Egra, from the collection Civitates Orbis Terrarum, Cologne, T. Graminaeus, 1572-1617. Image dimensions: 39.5 x 47.5 cm. Dimensions: 41 x 52.5 cm. Wo...

The Map of Rostock (ancient name: Rostochivm) is an original etching realized by George Braun (1541 – 1622) The state of preservation of the artwork is good but aged . Sheet dimen...

This view of Blois (ancient name: Bloys) is an original etching realized by George Braun and Franz Hogenberg as part of the famous "Civitates Orbis Terrarum". The “Civitates Orbis T...

De Humana Physiognomonia - Libri IIII Original Title: Io: Bap-tistae Portae Neapolitani. De Hum. Physiognomonia. Libri IIII. Ad Aloysium Card. Estensem Vici Aequensis, Apud Iosephum Cacchium, 1586. Vol. In-4° / cm. 32x22 272 pp (typographic mystake for page 265 indicated as 272 an vice-versa) Circulation: Rare First Edition Format: In-4° Pages: 272 Cover on ancient parchment, with title in ink (ancient calligraphy) on spine and “archivistic” decorations in leather and rope on same spine. Binding restored using original contemporary cover. Frontispiece fully engraved with portrait of author within an imaginary composition; portrait of Cardinale d’Este, whom the work is dedicated to, follows with full page engraving. Includes 85 engravings 4 of which full page, showing human physiognomies compared to animals’ in order to demonstrate the relationship between physical aspects and moral features. Good and clean copy, in a nice state. Black stain on p. 97 and minor tear on p. 198. Some whitening on 3-4 pages which do no affect reading. Rare first edition of a pillar of modern anthropology, and one of the most popular essays of Italian Renaissance, with important influence during the following 300 years. First book to be printed in Vico Equense...

Fountain is an original etching realized in the late 16th century. The State of preservation is very good. Hand-watercolored. The artwork represents t...

Black and white etching and drypoint on wire rod paper, representing the myth of the sacrifice of Iphigenia. On the altar is inscribed "Iphigenia" in capital letters. On the lower left margin is inscribed "N. Beatrizet Lo Taringus F.", slightly discolored (Beatrizet usually signed his plates with the letters "N. B. L. F."). At the center of the lower margin is inscribed "Romae, Michaelis Tramezini formis cum privilegio summi Pont. M.D.L.III". After a drawing attributed to either Michelangelo Buonarroti, Salviati, or Baccio Bandinelli...

Braun G., Hogenberg F., Aldenburgum Holsatiae, or Stade, from the collection Civitates Orbis Terrarum, Cologne, T. Graminaeus, 1572-1617. Precious hand-colored aquatint showing a vi...

Braun G., Hogenberg F., Cascale, from the collection Civitates Orbis Terrarum, Cologne, T. Graminaeus, 1572-1617. Good conditions expect tue usual central fold. The “Civitates Orbis...

Braun G., Hogenberg F., Duynkercke or Dunkirk, from the collection Civitates Orbis Terrarum, Cologne, T. Graminaeus, 1572-1617. Very fine B/W aquatint showing a view of the port and...

"Machelen", from the collection "Civitates Orbis Terrarum", Cologne, T. Graminaeus, 1575. The “Civitates Orbis Terrarum” (Atlas of Cities of the World) was the second oldest print...

This map of Magdebvrgvm is an original etching realized by George Braun and Frans Hogenberg, as part of the famous series "Civitates Orbis Terrarum" (Atlas of the Cities of the Worl...

This map of Kampen (the ancient Campensis) is an original etching realized by George Braun and Franz Hogenberg as part of the famous Series "Civitates Orbis Terrarum". The “Civita...

Aden is an original etching realized by George Braun and Franz Hogenberg. The state of preservation of the artwork is good. Interesting B/W etching ...

Map Traiectvm ad Mosam is original etching realized by Georg Braun and Franz Hogengerg between the end of the 16th and the first years of the 17th Century. Dimension: 40 x 54 The ...

Pantheon is an original drawing realized by the Italian architect Giovanni Fontana (1540-1614) in the late 16th century. Ivory colored paper attached on an ivory colored sheet. Inc...

This map of Calcaria is an original etching realized by George Braun and Franz Hogenberg, as part of the famous Series "Civitates Orbis Terrarum" (Atlas of the Cities of the World)....

The announcement in S. Maria sopra Minerva is an original drawing in pencil on paper, realized by Giovanni Fontana. The state of preservation of the artwork is good except for some ...