Artwork

Title Page to The New World of Words or A General English Dictionary

Title Page to The New World of Words or A General English Dictionary is an ink print by the Baroque artist Unknown 19th Century. It dates from 1678 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. This 1678 engraving depicts the title page of 'The New World of Words or A General English Dictionary'.

About this work

In the middle, a globe sits under a banner with fancy writing.

This print shows a book title page for a 1678 dictionary. At the top, two cities—Cambridge and Oxford—are drawn. Below, eight men in old-fashioned clothes stand in pairs. In the middle, a globe sits under a banner with fancy writing.

The globe has Latin words for "new world" and "word." The men look like scholars. This was a big deal for English words back then.

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Overview

This 1678 engraving depicts the title page of 'The New World of Words or A General English Dictionary'. The print features symbolic and figurative elements, including architectural representations of Cambridge and Oxford, eight scholars, a globe, and ornate typography.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is the title page of a seminal English dictionary. The inclusion of Cambridge and Oxford references the academic and intellectual underpinnings of the work. Eight scholars, likely contributors or patrons, are prominently displayed, underscoring the collaborative effort. The globe, labeled with Latin for 'new world' and 'word', symbolizes the dictionary's scope and impact on the English language.

Technique & Style

Executed as an engraving, the piece showcases the precision and detail characteristic of the medium. The interplay of text and image, along with the rendering of intricate details (such as the scholars' attire and the globe's labeling), demonstrates the engraver's skill.

History & Provenance

Created in 1678, this engraving marked the publication of a significant English dictionary, highlighting its importance in the linguistic landscape of the time. Specific details about its creation, circulation, or current location are not provided.

Context

The work reflects late 17th-century efforts to standardize and document the English language, a period of linguistic evolution and scholarly endeavor. The involvement of Oxford and Cambridge indicates academic backing for this lexicographical project.

Legacy

As the title page of a groundbreaking dictionary, this engraving represents a milestone in English lexicography. Its legacy lies in the dictionary's influence on subsequent linguistic works and the standardization of the English language, rather than the engraving itself being widely recognized as an independent art historical landmark.