$492
Lapis Polaris Magnes, an Engraving from Jan van der Straet and Philippe Galle's Nova Reperta. [Antwerp]: Phillipe Galle, [1600?]. Single small-folio format laid paper leaf, copper-plate engraving, with text at the foot, corners with slight loss, the sheet evenly toned, a few short marginal tears, 11 3/4 x 9 1/4 in. Part of a collection of prints meant to illustrate important advances in technology, this plate depicts the invention of the compass. Flavio Gioja is seated at his desk consulting a book while using dividers on the face of a compass; a dog sleeps at his feet; opposite him, a model sailing ship hangs suspended from the ceiling. The room is replete with tools of the trade: books, charts, an armillary sphere, and a lodestone floating in a basin of water. Estimate $700-900 The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2017-11-12