Subject: Title Pages
Period: 1709 (dated)
Publication:
Color: Hand Color
Size:
11.5 x 20.5 inches
29.2 x 52.1 cm
This allegorical frontispiece was previously used for the first edition of the Zee-Atlas in 1680. It depicts the coronation of the sea-god Neptune, who is receiving a crown, decorated with the sterns of six galleons, from a female figure wearing a crown comprised of ship bows. The other five female figures surrounding Neptune represent the continents. On the right are North and South America, wearing feathered head-pieces, and Europe who wears a crucifix and is reading a map of the English Channel in a sea-atlas, and is accompanied by a bull. On the left are Africa, holding a parrot, and Asia accompanied by a lion and lioness couple. At the top of the scene is Aeolus, the god of the winds, sitting on an inflated sack, which he steers by controlling the small opening of the sack. The print was designed by Jan Luyken and engraved by Aernout Nachtegael.
References: Shirley (TP) #65
Condition: B+
Tear on right side that enters image by 1/4", and a long tear in blank margin in bottom left corner repaired on verso.