Lot 148

Stradanus, "Nova Reperta" Frontispiece, Ca. 1600, Featuring New World Map, Gunpowder, Compass, Clock, Stirrups & Other Discoveries!

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Stradanus, "Nova Reperta" Frontispiece, Ca. 1600, Featuring New World Map, Gunpowder, Compass, Clock, Stirrups & Other Discoveries!

Estimate: $300 - $500

Current Bid: $100

(1 Bid)

by University Archives
July 28, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
88 Danbury Road
Suite 2A
Wilton, CT, US 06897

New World Exploration
[Antwerp, Spanish Netherlands], ca. 1600
Stradanus, "Nova Reperta" Frontispiece, Ca. 1600, Featuring New World Map, Gunpowder, Compass, Clock, Stirrups & Other Discoveries!
Print

A magnificent Old Master engraving after an original drawing by Dutch artist Johannes Stradanus, also known as Jan van der Straet (1523-1605), being the frontispiece or title page of "Nova Reperta" [trans: "New Discoveries/Inventions"] (Antwerp: ca. 1580-1600.) Engraved and published by Dutch printmaker Philip (Philips) Galle (1537-1612). Printed "Ioan. Stradanus inuent." and "Phls Galle excud." within the image near the bottom right; and printed "Aloysio Alamannio Flor.no / I. Strad. Invent. DD." (referring to Stradanus's patrons, the Alamannio Family of Florence) outside the image at the bottom right. Pen-inscribed "7:7" in the lower right corner. With a printed legend at bottom corresponding to images labeled with Roman numerals above. The uncolored engraving on laid paper is tipped into a stock paper mount. Expected age-related issues including toning and isolated foxing. A small ink blot touches the cartouche at top but does not obscure the title. Mounting traces along the print edges verso, and isolated edge darkening to the mat. Else very good to near fine. The actual size of the print is 10.325" x 8" while the overall mat size is 13" x 10".

This engraving would have served as the frontispiece to a collection of 20-odd engravings. Each print in the "Nova Reperta" series was dedicated to a new discovery of the Early Modern period, in order: 1. America; 2. Magnetic Compass; 3. Gunpowder; 4. Printing; 5. Mechanical Clock; 6. Guaiacum, a tropical wood found in Hispaniola that was believed to treat syphilis; 7. Distillation; 8. Silkworms; and 9. Stirrups. The popular "Nova Reperta" series went through several editions and is more commonly found in museum collections than at market.

The engraving depicts a young female figure at upper left representing the Future, who points to a map of America; "Nova Francia," "Florida," "Hispanium Nova," "Peru," "Bresilia," "Chica" and "Terra del fuego" are clearly labeled. The elderly male figure at upper right represents the Past, and is turning his back towards potential and progress. The other hemisphere separating the allegorical figures represents the "Lapis polaris," or literally "lodestone." The other inventions - a massive printing press, shelf clock, saddle with attached stirrups, upraised cannon, pile of wood, and laboratory glassware - are depicted with detail and definition in the immediate foreground.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: matted overall: 13" x 10"
  • Medium: Print

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000