16th & 17th Century Subjects

Prints of mythology and allegory depict classical stories, portraying gods and heroes from Greek, Roman, Viking and other past cultures. Allegorical figures personify concepts like Justice, Fortune, Time and Love, offering moral and philosophical lessons. 

Printmakers of this time documented both real and imagined landscapes, from serene countryside to grand city views. These prints depict famous landmarks, castles, and cathedrals, emphasizing the wonder of architectural achievement.

Artists and printmakers of this era placed faith at their work’s core,  transforming biblical heroes, martyrs and saints into imagery which reinforced shared belief and spiritual identity across Europe and beyond. 

Refinements in engraving and etching transformed portrait printmaking in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, allowing rulers, nobles, scholars, and ordinary people to see and circulate their likenesses.

Prints captured the key events of the time, from famous battles and political upheavals to coronations and catastrophes. They served as both historical record and propaganda, shaping public perception of rulers and conflicts in that turbulent time.

Scientific curiosity flourished in this period, leading to detailed prints of plants, animals, and insects. Botanical studies documented new species and medicinal herbs, while animal prints depicted both real and fantastical creatures. These images are prized for their artistry, blending scientific observation with artistic elegance.

The Age of Exploration brought new lands, cultures, and peoples into contact like never before. Trade routes, vast armadas and the perils of adventure were sketched out and transformed into artworks that captured the imagination of the new modern age.  

Dazzling quill flourishes, gilded initials, printers’ ornaments, and the first rows of set type crowd 16th- and 17th-century specimen sheets, capturing the virtuosity of master calligraphers and the precision of early punch-cutters.

Early prints of Indigenous peoples offer more than decorative scenes; they are a mix of myth, memory, and material culture captured at the edge of known worlds. Created during the age of exploration, they now stand as imperfect yet valuable records of Native life and tradition at a time when worlds were colliding.

Scenes of everyday life in early prints offer a warm, often intimate look at how people worked, gathered, celebrated, and passed the time. Whether showing a bustling kitchen or a village fair, these images bring the past to life through familiar, human moments.

Prints played a crucial role in disseminating scientific knowledge, illustrating advances in anatomy, astronomy, engineering, and medicine. Anatomical engravings provided groundbreaking studies of the human body, while astronomical charts mapped celestial movements. These images were both practical tools and artistic achievements, reflecting the period’s intellectual curiosity.

Elaborately engraved title pages framed books with striking decorative elements, often featuring allegorical figures and coats of arms. These prints reflected the prestige of the work they introduced, setting the tone for the texts. 

Castles and palaces, great halls and temples. From Italy to India and Spain to Japan, the builders of this era left behind monuments of stone that embodied ambition, grandeur, and the greatness of nations and empires.

Theatrical scenes, satirical caricatures, and depictions of folk legends brought humor and drama to print culture. These lively compositions filled with movement and expression reflected societal norms and political commentary, making them both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Prints of military subjects documented knights, soldiers, fortifications, and the evolving strategies of warfare. Battle plans and fortification blueprints provided tactical insight in a time where political and societal boundaries were constantly in flux.

From crashing waves to crowded ports and fleets under sail, these pieces capture the spirit of the seafaring age. They preserve the bustle of maritime trade, the precision of shipcraft, and the movement of vessels which linked the far-flung coasts of the time.