Title Page, "Omnium Pene Europae, Asiae, Aphricae atque Americae Gentium Habitus"

About this artwork

Title Page, "Omnium Pene Europae, Asiae, Aphricae atque Americae Gentium Habitus" is a books|prints|ornament & architecture by Flemish artist Joos de Bosscher|Abraham de Bruyn, created in 1580. The work was created using engravings; old full calf gold-tooled binding. It measures Image: 8 13/16 × 12 11/16 in. (22.4 × 32.2 cm) Frame: 10 9/16 × 14 1/4 in. (26.8 × 36.2 cm) Sheet: 21 5/16 × 16 5/16 in. (54.2 × 41.5 cm) Book: 21 7/8 × 16 3/4 × 1 15/16 in. (55.5 × 42.5 × 5 cm). Printmaking during this ...

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of 16th-century global curiosity with the *Title Page* from *Omnium Pene Europ, Asiae, Aphricae atque Americae Gentium Habitus* ("The Costumes of Nearly All the of Europe, Asia,, and America"), created in 1580 by artists Abraham de Bruyn Joos de Bosscher. This opulent engraving captures the era's fascination with exploration and cultural diversity, showcasing an allegorical scene likely featuring globes symbolizing the known world, majestic horses, animals, and female nudes—emblems of beauty, power, and exotic allure. Crafted as fine engravings bound in old full calf with gold-tooled decoration, the book measures a substantial 21⅞ × 16¾ × 1⅞ inches, its intricate lines etched meticulously to disseminate detailed imagery far beyond elite circles. Printmaking in Renaissance Antwerp was revolutionary, allowing connoisseurs to collect portable windows into distant lands, blending artistry with documentary zeal. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1921, this treasure in the Metropolitan Museum's Drawings and Prints department exemplifies how such works fueled Europe's expanding worldview during the Age of Discovery, preserving cultural snapshots in enduring elegance.

About the Artist

Joos de Bosscher|Abraham de Bruyn (Netherlandish|Flemish) · 1491 |1540 –1591 |1587

Netherlandish, active Amsterdam 1587–died 1591|Flemish, Antwerp 1540–1587 Cologne (?)