Catalog Archive
Auction 169, Lot 63

"Psal. Civ. V. 5-9. Terra suis Fundata Basibus / Psal. Civ. V. 5-9. Die Erde auf Ihren Grund-Festen",

Subject: Cartographic Miscellany

Period: 1735 (circa)

Publication: Kupfer-Bibel in welcher die Physica Sacra

Color: Hand Color

Size:
7.3 x 11.4 inches
18.5 x 29 cm
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This interesting engraving illustrates Psalm 104, verses 5-9, which describes the creation of the earth. The verses are:

You fixed the earth on its foundation,
so it can never be shaken.
The deeps covered it like a garment;
above the mountains stood the waters.
At your rebuke they took flight;
at the sound of your thunder they fled.
They rushed up the mountains, down the valleys
to the place you had fixed for them.
You set a limit they cannot pass;
never again will they cover the earth.

The engraving shows several rotations of the earth, which is covered in water and non-descript landmasses, all presented on a large scroll. Below the scroll is a lovely coastal view to reinforce the creation and movement of the waters described in the verses, with shipbuilders at right and numerous ships in the water. Engraved by Johann Georg Pintz and published in Johann Jakob Scheuchzer's Kupfer-Bibel in welcher die Physica Sacra, oder Beheiligte Natur-Wissenschaft derer in Heil. Schrifft Verkommenden Naturlichen Sachen.

References:

Condition: A

A sharp impression on a clean sheet with minor marginal soiling.

Estimate: $120 - $150

Sold for: $85

Closed on 9/12/2018

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