Subject: Calicut, India
Period: 1642 (circa)
Publication: Sciographia Cosmica
Color: Black & White
Size:
5.8 x 3 inches
14.7 x 7.6 cm
Wonderful, small copper engraving depicting Arion riding on a very cheerful looking sea monster in Calcutta harbor with beautifully engraved ships nearby. The Latin title at top translates to "Music from the Stars soothes the Sea Monster." The city of Calcutta is shown in the background, with truly exceptional detail of the buildings, elephants, palm trees and landscape. This engraving is based on Braun & Hogenberg's engraving of 1572, however their version did not have the sea monster, which seems to be a purely whimsical element. Meisner's book of city plans was originally issued in 1623 with only 52 plates. In 1624-6, it was re-issued with 416, and again in 1642 with 800 plates. This is from the 1642 edition.
References:
Condition: A
Very nice, velvety dark impression printed on good paper. Only a small stain in outer margin, well away from image.