Catalog Archive
Auction 167, Lot 2

"The English Atlas", Pitt, Moses

Subject: Title Pages

Period: 1680 (published)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
11.4 x 18 inches
29 x 45.7 cm
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This striking allegorical title page, designed by Zacharias Webbers, features mythical figures examining a large globe centered on Europe and Africa. Neptune stands to the left of the globe and on the right stands Cybele, the mother goddess of the earth, with her turreted crown and a lion at her feet. In the foreground, a seated muse represents history or geography, and in the background Atlas is shown holding a celestial globe on his shoulders. Putti hold aloft the drape-style title cartouche. Moses Pitt's plan for a large world atlas based on Jansson's work met with financial failure, and he was only able to complete four of the planned 12 volumes, this being the title page for Volume I. The plate was used later by Elwe and Ottens.

References: Shirley (BL Atlases) T. PITT-1a.

Condition: A

Old color with gilt highlights. There are a couple minor spots in the image and light soiling in the blank margins.

Estimate: $350 - $425

Sold for: $180

Closed on 3/28/2018

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