Artwork

Title Page for Ludovicus Nonnius, Commentarius in Huberti Goltzi Graeciam, Insulas, et Asiam Minorem

Title Page for Ludovicus Nonnius, Commentarius in Huberti Goltzi Graeciam, Insulas, et Asiam Minorem is an ink print by the Baroque artist Michel Lasne. It dates from 1620 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

This 1620 engraving by Michel Lasne serves as the title page for Ludovicus Nonnius's commentary on Hubert Goltzius's work, showcasing a blend of classical motifs and meticulous printmaking techniques characteristic of the era.

Subject & Meaning

The composition features symbols of power (eagle, lion), alongside elements suggesting scholarship (scrolls, coat of arms) and potentially lost knowledge (broken column). These motifs reflect the intersection of artistic and scholarly pursuits in the period.

Technique & Style

Executed on laid paper, the engraving demonstrates Lasne's skill in intricate metal carving, a hallmark of early 17th-century printmaking. The detailed, dramatic design aligns with prevalent book title page aesthetics of the time.

History & Provenance

Created by Michel Lasne, a French engraver possibly trained under Rubens and van Dyck in Antwerp, the work later became associated with Lasne's role as official engraver to King Louis XIII in Paris by 1633.

Context

The piece embodies the scholarly and artistic exchanges of its time, bridging Antwerp's and Paris's cultural influences through Lasne's career trajectory.

Legacy

While specific lasting impacts of this title page are not highlighted, it contributes to the broader legacy of 17th-century printmaking and the decorative title page tradition in scholarly publications.

Artist & collection

Artist

Michel Lasne

Michel Lasne (Caen, ca. 1590–4 December 1667, Paris), was a French engraver, draughtsman and collector. Lasne was born in Caen and was the son of a goldsmith. He was a member of the Guild of Saint Luke in Antwerp for…