Title Page to "The History of Great Britaine" by John Speed

1611

Jodocus Hondius I

Associated Names
Jodocus Hondius I

Artist, Dutch, 1563 - 1611/1612

This is a drawing of an elaborate title page for "The History of Great Britaine". The illustration serves as a decorative framing for the text detailing the book's contents. The central figure is a classical warrior holding a staff and shield standing in an arched alcove. Surrounding this figure are detailed architectural elements reminiscent of classical Roman structures. Each side of the central figure features three smaller alcoves, each containing a Roman, Saxon, Dane, and Norman figure. Ornate decorative elements fill the space above and below, incorporating shields, helmets, and classical iconography. The text "The History of Great Britaine" is prominently displayed on the page.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    plate: 38.9 × 24.5 cm (15 5/16 × 9 5/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1950.14.1286

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hollstein, no. 53


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Hermann Marx [d. 1948], Surrey, (L.2816a); (Sotheby, London, sale May 24, 1948, no. 165); Lessing J. Rosenwald [1891 - 1979], Philadelphia, (L.1932d); gift to NGA, 1950.

Associated Names

Wikidata ID

Q65215975

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