Catalog Archive
Auction 110, Lot 8

"[Atlas Novus Frontispiece]", Scherer, Heinrich

Subject: Title Pages - South Asia

Period: 1710 (published)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
7.5 x 9.5 inches
19.1 x 24.1 cm
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This fascinating frontispiece was designed by Johannes Deger and engraved by Joseph a Montalegre. At center is a circular map of South Asia surrounded by the heavens and the signs of the zodiac. The land is filled with depictions of wildlife (including a unicorn) and the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve, and the sea is filled with a variety of sea monsters. A cloud background surrounds the map with putti representing the four elements in each corner, each holding a cartouche enveloping a psalm. Scherer, a devout Jesuit, produced this geographical compendium to depict the Catholic hierarchy and the spread of Jesuit missions throughout the world.

References:

Condition: A

Light soil in margins.

Estimate: $275 - $350

Sold for: $220

Closed on 3/2/2005

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