Subject: Africa - Eastern
Period: 1642 (published)
Publication: Sciographia Cosmica
Color: Hand Color
Size:
5.7 x 3 inches
14.5 x 7.6 cm
This uncommon miniature engraving is based on Braun & Hogenberg's small view of Mombaza in1572. However, their version depicted simply the island, and it did not have all of these wonderfully rendered ships. 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. Meisner's charming little plans are meticulously engraved, and they always have a Latin saying at the top, followed by prose underneath. The gist of this particular one seems to be that hope keeps things afloat.
References:
Condition: A
Nice impression with generous margins that have some light foxing, not affecting view.