This is a very beautiful and elaborate introduction page. Raised on a theatrical stage, the four women in center represent the continents (Asia, Europe, America and Africa from left to right). The top third of the page is crowded with many classical elements. In the center is a large armillary sphere flanked by astronomers with a celestial globe and a cartographer and Geography with a terrestrial globe. To the right of the sphere is Apollo with his lyre and Juno to the left, whose four lactating breasts represent the Milky Way. Around them are representations of the four elements: air, fire, earth and water. The publisher’s imprint has been pasted to the engraved sheet as was common at this time.

References: cf. Shirley (TP) #46.

Condition: B+

There are a few faint spots and a very small abrasion at center right near the platemark with some minor soiling in the blank margins.