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Details
VERGILIUS MARO, Publius (70-19 B.C.). Opera. Edited by Sebastian Brant (1457-1521). Strasbourg: Johann Grüninger, 28 August 1502.
First illustrated edition of Virgil’s works. Although the introduction suggests that Brant himself was the designer, it is more likely that the extensive and richly detailed illustrations were executed under his supervision. These woodcuts, which bring a Renaissance twist to this classical text, form the basis of practically all Virgilian imagery in the 16th century. The question of whether the illustrations are mistakenly anachronistic or purposefully so remains unsettled; however, given Brant’s didactic approach, it seems more likely that the intention was to reach a less educated audience through the popular form of iconography. USTC 688629; VD16 V1332.
Folio (298 x 215mm). Title printed in red, 214 large woodcut illustrations including title woodcut and a double page illustration, historiated woodcut initials, printer’s device at end (title repaired and re-attached on guard, a few closed tears, some worming, occasional light staining). Contemporary blindstamped half pigskin over wooden boards, remains of clasps (lightly wormed, upper corner of lower board defective). Provenance: extensive manuscript notes – Wittenberg (purchase record inscription dated 1509) – L.B. of Schellersheim (perhaps Friedmann Heinrich Christian Ludwig Freiherr of Schellersheim (1752-1836), collector of antiquities; inscription) – sold London, Sotheby’s, 1984, lot 257 – Schweinfurt, Otto Schäfer (monogram, bought in 1986).
First illustrated edition of Virgil’s works. Although the introduction suggests that Brant himself was the designer, it is more likely that the extensive and richly detailed illustrations were executed under his supervision. These woodcuts, which bring a Renaissance twist to this classical text, form the basis of practically all Virgilian imagery in the 16th century. The question of whether the illustrations are mistakenly anachronistic or purposefully so remains unsettled; however, given Brant’s didactic approach, it seems more likely that the intention was to reach a less educated audience through the popular form of iconography. USTC 688629; VD16 V1332.
Folio (298 x 215mm). Title printed in red, 214 large woodcut illustrations including title woodcut and a double page illustration, historiated woodcut initials, printer’s device at end (title repaired and re-attached on guard, a few closed tears, some worming, occasional light staining). Contemporary blindstamped half pigskin over wooden boards, remains of clasps (lightly wormed, upper corner of lower board defective). Provenance: extensive manuscript notes – Wittenberg (purchase record inscription dated 1509) – L.B. of Schellersheim (perhaps Friedmann Heinrich Christian Ludwig Freiherr of Schellersheim (1752-1836), collector of antiquities; inscription) – sold London, Sotheby’s, 1984, lot 257 – Schweinfurt, Otto Schäfer (monogram, bought in 1986).
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