[Hecla] en Islande
[Hecla in Iceland]
Frankfurt on the Main: ZUNNER, Johann David, c. 1684
Size (neatline): 10.0 x 15.3 cm / 3.9 x 6.0 in
Size (sheet): 15.3 x 20.5 cm / 6.0 x 8.1 in
Technique: Copper engraving
Colour: Uncoloured
Verso: Blank
Condition: Good
Manesson-Mallet view of Iceland with unique provenance
Description
This small but striking bird’s-eye view depicts an eruption of Hekla, Iceland’s most active and famous volcano. A whaling scene is shown in the foreground, with two sailing ships completing the scene.
The title cartouche takes the form of a banner in the sky, typical for Manesson-Mallet’s engravings.
An alternate German title, Der Berg Hecla in Island. [i.e. The mountain Hecla in Iceland], is shown at top, above the neatline.
This view is from a German edition of Manesson-Mallet’s popular Description de l'univers …, first published by Denys Thierry in Paris, in 1683.
It has royal provenance, with the stamp at the top right showing at its centre a coat of arms (not further identified), with “Office of His Imperial Highness the Grand Duke Kirill of Russia”, written in French [Bureau de S[on]. A[ltesse]. I[mpériale]. Le Grand Duc Kirill de Russie], wrapped around it.
A spectacular miniature view with unusual ownership pedigree.
Publication
Des berühmten Königlichen Geographi Herrn Allain Manesson Mallets Beschreibung des gantzen Welt-Kreises, ...
Note: Image shows pagination annotation at top right (Fig. 109.).
Condition
Good.
Printed on a watermarked sheet. Slightly uneven impression at top left of image. Very faint staining in lower margin. Minor creasing in lower left corner. Former ownership stamps at top and bottom right and ownership and inventory manuscript annotations at upper and bottom right as well as top on verso.
Provenance
Evidence of provenance includes:
- At top right, a stamp showing at its centre a coat of arms (not further identified), with “Office of His Imperial Highness the Grand Duke Kirill of Russia”, written in French [Bureau de S[on]. A[ltesse]. I[mpériale]. Le Grand Duc Kirill de Russie], wrapped around it.
- At bottom right, a stamp reading “Historical collection of V.G. Radionov” (written in Old Russian).
- At bottom right and at top of verso, an illegible manuscript signature.
Item #: 03012
US $250.00
Status: On Hold