Photogravure reproduction after an oil painting of the Scottish inventor and engineer James Watt, seated at a desk, with the plans of a rotative beam engine and a 1788 condenser with a wooden frame draped across the desk. The oil painting was done in 1792 by Swedish painter Carl Fredrik von Breda (1759-1818) when the artist visited Watt in Birmingham. The original is on display in Britain's National Portrait Gallery. Photographische Gesellschaft, Berlin, ca 1910.
ID number
FA-PR-0123
Title
Portrait of Wilbur Wright (1867-1912)
Abstract
Photogravure reproduction of charcoal-sketched portrait of Wilbur Wright, which was done by famous sketch artist Leo Mielziner (1869-1935), and is signed and dated by the artist. The sketch was done during Wilbur Wright's 1908 visit and participation at the Hunaudieres Race Course and Camp d'Auvours, near Le Mans. Photographische Gesellschaft, Berlin, ca 1910.
ID number
FA-PR-0129
Title
Portrait of Ioannes Marcus Marci (1595-1667)
Abstract
Engraved portrait of Czech doctor of philosophy and medicine Ioannes Marcus Marci (also known as Joannes Marcus Marci, and as Jan Marek Marci), who taught over thirty years at Prague's Charles University. Marci was not only a personal physician to two emperors, but he studied epilepsy, the mechanics of colliding bodies, and the refraction of light. Credited as being one of the founders of spectroscopy, since 1977 the I. M. Marci Medal has been given annually for outstanding work in spectroscopy.
ID number
FA-PR-0133
Title
Buda / Citerioris Hvngaricae Capvt
Abstract
Copperplate print, hand-colored. Folio from a Latin edition of Braun and Hogenberg's atlas, Civitates Orbis Terrarum (Atlas of Cities of the World), published originally in Cologne between 1572 and 1618. This plate is found in the last volume, v. 6, published in 1618. Bird's-eye view of the cities of Buda and Pest (now Budapest) with Danube between. View within large cartouche-like window on simulated wood ground. Two human figures in Turkish dress occupy foreground. Notable on the smaller figure is the insertion of feathers into the skin of the wearer. See explanatory legend in lower cartouche. Based on work of Flemish engraver Joris Hoefnagel [Georgius Houfnaglius]. The image is dated 1617. Verso has printed text, description of Buda, in Latin. Gift of Earnest C. Watson, 1952.
ID number
FA-PR-0134
Title
Vienna Austriae / Wien in Ostenreyk
Abstract
Copperplate engraved print, hand colored. Folio from a Latin edition of Braun and Hogenberg's atlas, Civitates Orbis Terrarum (Atlas of Cities of the World), published originally in Cologne between 1572 and 1618. Bird's-eye view of the city of Vienna with Danube in foreground. Includes central shield and legend boxes left and right at top. Verso has printed text, description of Vienna, in Latin. Pencil note in donor's hand: "Jansson 1657. Coloring probably not contemporary." Note indicates the plate is from Jan Jansson's reissue of the atlas in Amsterdam in 1657. Gift of Earnest C. Watson, 1952.
ID number
FA-PR-0135
Title
Die Statt Leypzig
Abstract
Copperplate engraved print, hand colored. Folio from a Latin edition of Braun and Hogenberg's atlas, Civitates Orbis Terrarum (Atlas of Cities of the World), published originally in Cologne between 1572 and 1618. Bird's-eye view of the city of Leipzig. Verso has printed text, description of Leipzig, in Latin. Pencil note in donor's hand: "Jansson 1657. Coloring probably not contemporary." Note indicates the plate is from Jan Jansson's reissue of the atlas in Amsterdam in 1657. Gift of Earnest C. Watson, 1952.
ID number
FA-PR-0136
Title
SALTZBURGK
Abstract
Copperplate engraved print, hand colored. Folio from a Latin edition of Braun and Hogenberg's atlas, Civitates Orbis Terrarum (Atlas of Cities of the World), published originally in Cologne between 1572 and 1618. Bird's-eye view of Salzburg with river in foreground. Legend box, bottom right, reads: Recens et Accvratis-/sima Vrbis Salisbvr-/gensis Delineatio. Three human figures in contemporary dress in foreground. Verso has printed text, description of Salzburg, in Latin. Pencil note in donor's hand: "Jansson 1657. Coloring probably not contemporary." Note indicates the plate is from Jan Jansson's reissue of the atlas in Amsterdam in 1657. Gift of Earnest C. Watson, 1952.
ID number
FA-PR-0137
Title
Namazu-e (catfish print)
Abstract
According to Japanese legend, earthquakes were caused by the movements of a monster catfish that lived under the island of Japan. Immediately following the great Ansei earthquake of October 2, 1855, woodblock prints called Namazu-e ("catfish pictures") appeared in Edo (now Tokyo), the most affected area. These imaginative and sometimes brutal depictions served as a unique source of information and reassurance to the local population. Here the Namazu, who appears with a human body, has been ordered by the gods to rescue people from the earthquake rubble.
ID number
FA-PR-0141
Title
Namazu-e (catfish print)
Abstract
According to Japanese legend, earthquakes were caused by the movements of a monster catfish that lived under the island of Japan. Immediately following the great Ansei earthquake of October 2, 1855, woodblock prints called Namazu-e ("catfish pictures") appeared in Edo (now Tokyo), the most affected area. These imaginative and sometimes brutal depictions served as a unique source of information and reassurance to the local population. In this picture, the sly Namazu tries to beguile unwary children.
