Wolfgang Lazius Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Wolfgang Lazius Art Value Price Guide

Mar. 23, 2024
W. LAZIUS (1514-1565), Longobardus & Herulus, 1557, Woodcut
Est: €450 - €600
Wolfgang Lazius (1514 Vienna - 1565 ibid.): Longobardus & Herulus, 1557, Woodcut Technique: Woodcut on Laid paper Date: 1557 Description: Unusual print, labelled below the depiction with: "Longobardus" and "Herulus"; verso with Latin text. Entitled above the image on page 784: "LIBRI DUODECIMI DE MIGRATIONIBUS GENTIUM & ICONES.". From the famous and beautifully illustrated chronicle of the early European tribes up to the 15th century: "De aliquot gentium migrationibus sedibus fixis, reliquiis, linguarumque, initiis (et) immutationibus ac dialectis", Basel, 1557 (on the migration of peoples). The work is a valuable source of information on the early history of European tribes, taking into account their customs and social structures as well as their religious beliefs. It also includes early references to figures from the Song of the Nibelungs. The work is illustrated with twenty-one extraordinary woodcuts based on drawings by the author. From the hand of Wolfgang Lazius, a humanist scholar and important figure in Vienna and in the history of cartography. He wrote the first printed city history of Vienna with engravings by himself and was a professor of medicine at the University of Vienna. As a cartographer, he also produced a land description of Hungary. Keywords: 16th century, Figurative, Portraits, Austria,
Fichter Kunsthandel
Mar. 23, 2024
W. LAZIUS (1514-1565), Crupellaris, Armoured Warriors, Woodcut
Est: €450 - €600
Wolfgang Lazius (1514 Vienna - 1565 ibid.): "Crupellaris", armoured fencer, gladiator, 16th century, Woodcut Technique: Woodcut on Laid paper Date: 16th century Description: Unusual print, page 153/154 of a book, verso with Latin text. Entitled above the image on page 153: "LIBER MIGRATIONUM POPULORUM", on page 154 above the two wonderful depictions of heavily armoured gladiators inscribed with: "Crupellaris Gallus", Latin foreign word from the Gallic: "harnischter Fechter". Book illustration from the famous and beautifully illustrated chronicle of the early European tribes up to the 15th century: "De aliquot gentium migrationibus sedibus fixis, reliquiis, linguarumque, initiis (et) immutationibus ac dialectis", Basel, 1557 (on the migration of peoples). The work is a valuable source of information on the early history of European tribes, taking into account their customs and social structures as well as their religious beliefs. It also includes early references to figures from the Song of the Nibelungs. The work is illustrated with twenty-one extraordinary woodcuts based on drawings by the author. From the hand of Wolfgang Lazius, a humanist scholar and important figure in Vienna and in the history of cartography. He wrote the first printed city history of Vienna with engravings by himself and was a professor of medicine at the University of Vienna. As a cartographer, he also produced a land description of Hungary. Keywords: 16th century, Figurative, Portraits, Austria,
Fichter Kunsthandel
Mar. 23, 2024
W. LAZIUS (1514-1565), Gallic knight on horseback, Woodcut
Est: €450 - €600
Wolfgang Lazius (1514 Vienna - 1565 ibid.): "Eques Gallicus", Gallic knight on horseback, 16th century, Woodcut Technique: Woodcut on Laid paper Date: 16th century Description: Unusual depiction of an armed knight on horseback, in the garb of a Gallic equestrian. Page 155/156 of a book, verso with Latin text. Entitled above the depiction: "EQUES GALLICUS", German: gallischer Reiter, from Latin equus 'horse', plural equites, traditionally translated as 'knight'. Book illustration from the famous and beautifully illustrated chronicle of the early European tribes up to the 15th century: "De aliquot gentium migrationibus sedibus fixis, reliquiis, linguarumque, initiis (et) immutationibus ac dialectis", Basel, 1557 (on the migration of peoples). The work is a valuable source of information on the early history of European tribes, taking into account their customs and social structures as well as their religious beliefs. It also includes early references to figures from the Song of the Nibelungs. The work is illustrated with twenty-one extraordinary woodcuts based on drawings by the author. From the hand of Wolfgang Lazius, a humanist scholar and important figure in Vienna and in the history of cartography. He wrote the first printed city history of Vienna with engravings by himself and was a professor of medicine at the University of Vienna. As a cartographer, he also produced a land description of Hungary. Keywords: 16th century, Figurative, Portraits, Austria,
Fichter Kunsthandel
Dec. 02, 2023
W. LAZIUS (1514-1565), Longobardus & Herulus, 1557,
Est: €450 - €600
Wolfgang Lazius (1514 Vienna - 1565 ibid.): Longobardus & Herulus, 1557, Woodcut Technique: Woodcut on Date: 1557 Description: Unusual print, labelled below the depiction with: "Longobardus" and "Herulus"; verso with Latin text. Entitled above the image on page 784: "LIBRI DUODECIMI DE MIGRATIONIBUS GENTIUM & ICONES.". From the famous and beautifully illustrated chronicle of the early European tribes up to the 15th century: "De aliquot gentium migrationibus sedibus fixis, reliquiis, linguarumque, initiis (et) immutationibus ac dialectis", Basel, 1557 (on the migration of peoples). The work is a valuable source of information on the early history of European tribes, taking into account their customs and social structures as well as their religious beliefs. It also includes early references to figures from the Song of the Nibelungs. The work is illustrated with twenty-one extraordinary woodcuts based on drawings by the author. From the hand of Wolfgang Lazius, a humanist scholar and important figure in Vienna and in the history of cartography. He wrote the first printed city history of Vienna with engravings by himself and was a professor of medicine at the University of Vienna. As a cartographer, he also produced a land description of Hungary. Keywords: 16th century, Figurative, Portraits, Austria,
Fichter Kunsthandel
Dec. 02, 2023
W. LAZIUS (1514-1565), Visigoths and Romans,
Est: €450 - €600
Wolfgang Lazius (1514 Vienna - 1565 ibid.): "Quadus & Marcomanus", Visigoths, Romans, , Woodcut Technique: Woodcut on Inscription: Inscribed below the book illustration with the names of the two depicted, "Quadus" and "Marcomanus", belonging to the tribe of the Visigoths, who were subjugated by ancient Rome. From the famous and beautifully illustrated chronicle of the early European tribes up to the 15th century: "De aliquot gentium migrationibus sedibus fixis, reliquiis, linguarumque, initiis (et) immutationibus ac dialectis", Basel, 1557 (on the migration of peoples). The work is a valuable source of information on the early history of European tribes, taking into account their customs and social structures as well as their religious beliefs. It also includes early references to figures from the Song of the Nibelungs. The work is illustrated with twenty-one exceptional woodcuts based on drawings by the author. From the hand of Wolfgang Lazius, humanist scholar and important figure in Vienna and in the history of cartography. He wrote the first printed city history of Vienna with sheets engraved by himself and was a professor of medicine at the University of Vienna. As a cartographer, he also produced a land description of Hungary. Date: Description: Unusual print, page 617/618 of a book, verso with Latin text. Entitled above the image on page 618: "LIBER DE MIGRATIONIBUS GENTIUM NONUS, DE MARCOMANORUM GENTIBUS". Keywords: 16th century, Figurative, Portraits, Austria,
Fichter Kunsthandel
Dec. 02, 2023
W. LAZIUS (1514-1565), Crupellaris, Armoured Warriors,
Est: €450 - €600
Wolfgang Lazius (1514 Vienna - 1565 ibid.): "Crupellaris", armoured fencer, gladiator, , Woodcut Technique: Woodcut on Date: Description: Unusual print, page 153/154 of a book, verso with Latin text. Entitled above the image on page 153: "LIBER MIGRATIONUM POPULORUM", on page 154 above the two wonderful depictions of heavily armoured gladiators inscribed with: "Crupellaris Gallus", Latin foreign word from the Gallic: "harnischter Fechter". Book illustration from the famous and beautifully illustrated chronicle of the early European tribes up to the 15th century: "De aliquot gentium migrationibus sedibus fixis, reliquiis, linguarumque, initiis (et) immutationibus ac dialectis", Basel, 1557 (on the migration of peoples). The work is a valuable source of information on the early history of European tribes, taking into account their customs and social structures as well as their religious beliefs. It also includes early references to figures from the Song of the Nibelungs. The work is illustrated with twenty-one extraordinary woodcuts based on drawings by the author. From the hand of Wolfgang Lazius, a humanist scholar and important figure in Vienna and in the history of cartography. He wrote the first printed city history of Vienna with engravings by himself and was a professor of medicine at the University of Vienna. As a cartographer, he also produced a land description of Hungary. Keywords: 16th century, Figurative, Portraits, Austria,
Fichter Kunsthandel
Dec. 02, 2023
W. LAZIUS (1514-1565), Gallic knight on horseback,
Est: €450 - €600
Wolfgang Lazius (1514 Vienna - 1565 ibid.): "Eques Gallicus", Gallic knight on horseback, , Woodcut Technique: Woodcut on Date: Description: Unusual depiction of an armed knight on horseback, in the garb of a Gallic equestrian. Page 155/156 of a book, verso with Latin text. Entitled above the depiction: "EQUES GALLICUS", German: gallischer Reiter, from Latin equus 'horse', plural equites, traditionally translated as 'knight'. Book illustration from the famous and beautifully illustrated chronicle of the early European tribes up to the 15th century: "De aliquot gentium migrationibus sedibus fixis, reliquiis, linguarumque, initiis (et) immutationibus ac dialectis", Basel, 1557 (on the migration of peoples). The work is a valuable source of information on the early history of European tribes, taking into account their customs and social structures as well as their religious beliefs. It also includes early references to figures from the Song of the Nibelungs. The work is illustrated with twenty-one extraordinary woodcuts based on drawings by the author. From the hand of Wolfgang Lazius, a humanist scholar and important figure in Vienna and in the history of cartography. He wrote the first printed city history of Vienna with engravings by himself and was a professor of medicine at the University of Vienna. As a cartographer, he also produced a land description of Hungary. Keywords: 16th century, Figurative, Portraits, Austria,
Fichter Kunsthandel
Oct. 04, 2023
ATTR. WOLFGANG LAZIUS, AUSTRIAN 1514-1565, AUSTRIAE, DUCATUS, SEU PAN NONIAE.... DATED 1578, Hand colored engraving, Frame: 17 x 22 1/2 x 22 1/2 in. (43.2 x 57.2 x 57.2 cm.)
Est: $200 - $400
ATTR. WOLFGANG LAZIUS AUSTRIAN, 1514-1565 AUSTRIAE, DUCATUS, SEU PAN NONIAE.... DATED 1578 Hand colored engraving Published by Cornelius De Jode, drawn from 'Typi Chorographici Provinciarum Austriae'
Potomack Company
Aug. 26, 2023
Wolfgang Lazius, Kupferstichkarte Österreich
Est: -
Wolfgang Lazius, Kupferstichkarte Österreich oben links zeittypische Kartusche und hier bezeichnet "Austriae Ducatus Seu Pannoniae Superioris Chorographia Germana Summa Fide Ac Industria Elaborata a Wolfgang Lazio.", unten links Meilenzeiger, aus "Typi Chorographici Provinciarum Austriae", Darstellung des Gebiets zwischen Bratislava im Osten und Gmunder See im Westen, kolorierter Kupferstich, Ende 16. Jh., mittig Faltlinie, gebräunt, durchschlagende Montierungsspuren und an der unteren rechten Ecke Papierverluste, hinter Glas gerahmt, Darstellungsmaße ca. 37,8 x 52 cm, Blattmaße ca. 41,7 x 55 cm. Info: eigentl. Wolfgang Laz, humanistischer Gelehrter und Kartograph (1514 Wien bis 1565 Wien), Studium der Medizin in Wien und Ingolstadt, ab 1530 Arzt in Wien, ab 1536 Lektor der Universität Wien, ab 1541 Professor der Medizin an der Universität Wien, 1545–56 Anfertigung verschiedener Karten von Österreich und Herausgabe des Atlas "Typi chorographici Austriae", Leibarzt von Kaiser Ferdinand I., Verleihung des Adelstitels, Quelle: Wikipedia. Wolfgang Lazius, copper engraved map of Austria top left cartouche typical of the period and here inscribed "Austriae Ducatus Seu Pannoniae Superioris Chorographia Germana Summa Fide Ac Industria Elaborata a Wolfgang Lazio.", bottom left mileage scale, from "Typi Chorographici Provinciarum Austriae", depicting the area between Bratislava in the east and Gmunder See in the west, coloured copper engraving, end of 16th cent, fold line in the centre, browned, traces of mounting and paper loss at lower right corner, framed behind glass, dimensions of image ca. 37,8 x 52 cm, dimensions of sheet ca. 41,7 x 55 cm. Info: real name Wolfgang Laz, humanistic scholar and cartographer (1514 Vienna to 1565 Vienna), studied medicine in Vienna and Ingolstadt, from 1530 physician in Vienna, from 1536 lecturer at the University of Vienna, from 1541 professor of medicine at the University of Vienna, 1545-56 produced various maps of Austria and published the atlas "Typi chorographici Austriae", personal physician to Emperor Ferdinand I, awarded the title of nobility, source: Wikipedia.
Auktionshaus Mehlis GmbH
Nov. 08, 2022
Wolfgang Lazius: "Hungariae Descriptio", Copper engraved Map of Hungary, c. 1600
Est: €500 - €1,000
Wolfgang Lazius "Hungariae Descriptio", from: Abraham Ortelius, Theatrum orbis terrarum. Map of Hungary, c. 1600. Latin edition Copper engraving 39.5 x 53.5 cm collection Erna Weidinger (1923–2021)
Im Kinsky
May. 28, 2022
Wolfgang Lazius
Est: €250 - €325
Rhaetiae alpestris, descriptio, um 1560;in qua hodie tirols comitatus, Goriziae, Karsni, Cha czeoiae, Carniolae, Histriae et Windorum marchae descrip. Handkolorierter Kupferstich, 34 x 51 cm, gerahmt
Bozner Kunstauktionen
Dec. 30, 2021
W.LAZIUS (1514-1565), "Eques Gallicus", Gallic knight on horseback, Woodcut
Est: €450 - €600
Wolfgang Lazius (1514 Wien - 1565 ibid.), "Eques Gallicus", Gallic knight on horseback, before 18th century, Woodcut Technique: Woodcut on Wove paper Date: before 18th century Description: Unusual depiction of an armed knight on horseback, in the garb of a Gallic eque. Page 155/156 of a book, with Latin text on verso. Titled above the depiction: "EQUES GALLICUS", German: Gallischer Reiter, from Latin equus 'horse', plural equites, traditionally translated as 'knight'. Book illustration from the famous and very beautifully illustrated chronicle of the early European tribes up to the 15th century: "De aliquot gentium migrationibus sedibus fixis, reliquiis, linguarumque, initiis (et) immutationibus ac dialectis", Basel, 1557 (about the migration of peoples). The work is a valuable source of information on the early history of European tribes, taking into account their customs and social structures as well as their religious beliefs. It also includes early references to figures from the Nibelungenlied. The work is illustrated with twenty-one exceptional woodcuts based on drawings by the author. From the hand of Wolfgang Lazius, humanist scholar and important figure in Vienna as well as in the history of cartography. He wrote the first printed city history of Vienna with sheets engraved by himself and was professor of medicine at the University of Vienna. He also produced a land description of Hungary as a cartographer. Keywords: before 18th century, Figurative, Portraits, Austria, Size: 29,2 cm x 16,5 cm Condition: The woodcut makes a wonderful impression. Sporadic pale foxing and discolouration; lower right corner of sheet with small loss.
Fichter Kunsthandel
Dec. 30, 2021
W.LAZIUS (1514-1565), "Crupellaris", Armoured Fencer, Gladiator, Woodcut
Est: €450 - €600
Wolfgang Lazius (1514 Wien - 1565 ibid.), "Crupellaris", Armoured Fencer, Gladiator, before 18th century, Woodcut Technique: Woodcut on Wove paper Date: before 18th century Description: Exceptional print, page 153/154 of a book, with Latin text on verso. Titled above the illustration on page 153: "LIBER MIGRATIONUM POPULORUM", on page 154 above the two marvellous depictions of heavily armoured gladiators inscribed: "Crupellaris Gallus", Latin foreign word from the Gallic: "armoured swordsman". Book illustration from the famous and very beautifully illustrated chronicle of the early European tribes up to the 15th century: "De aliquot gentium migrationibus sedibus fixis, reliquiis, linguarumque, initiis (et) immutationibus ac dialectis", Basel, 1557 (about the migration of peoples). The work is a valuable source of information on the early history of European tribes, taking into account their customs and social structures as well as their religious beliefs. It also includes early references to figures from the Nibelungenlied. The work is illustrated with twenty-one exceptional woodcuts based on drawings by the author. From the hand of Wolfgang Lazius, humanist scholar and important figure in Vienna as well as in the history of cartography. He wrote the first printed city history of Vienna with sheets engraved by himself and was professor of medicine at the University of Vienna. He also produced a land description of Hungary as a cartographer. Keywords: before 18th century, Figurative, Portraits, Austria, Size: 27,8 cm x 21,2 cm Condition: The woodcut makes a wonderful impression. Isolated pale foxing and creases; at the lower edge of the sheet remains of an old mounting; small tear at the right edge of the sheet.
Fichter Kunsthandel
Dec. 30, 2021
W.LAZIUS (1514-1565), "Quadus & Marcomanus", Visigoths, Romans, Woodcut
Est: €450 - €600
Wolfgang Lazius (1514 Wien - 1565 ibid.), "Quadus & Marcomanus", Visigoths, Romans, before 18th century, Woodcut Technique: Woodcut on Wove paper Inscription: Inscribed below the book illustration with the names of the two sitters, "Quadus" and "Marcomanus", belonging to the tribe of the Visigoths, who were subjugated by ancient Rome. From the famous and beautifully illustrated chronicle of the early European tribes up to the 15th century: "De aliquot gentium migrationibus sedibus fixis, reliquiis, linguarumque, initiis (et) immutationibus ac dialectis", Basel, 1557 (on the migration of peoples). The work is a valuable source of information on the early history of European tribes, taking into account their customs and social structures as well as their religious beliefs. It also includes early references to figures from the Nibelungenlied. The work is illustrated with twenty-one exceptional woodcuts based on drawings by the author. From the hand of Wolfgang Lazius, humanist scholar and important figure in Vienna as well as in the history of cartography. He wrote the first printed city history of Vienna with sheets engraved by himself and was professor of medicine at the University of Vienna. He also produced a land description of Hungary as a cartographer. Date: before 18th century Description: Exceptional print, page 617/618 of a book, with Latin text on verso. Titled above the illustration on page 618: "LIBER DE MIGRATIONIBUS GENTIUM NONUS, DE MARCOMANORUM GENTIBUS". Keywords: before 18th century, Figurative, Portraits, Austria, Size: 24,4 cm x 17,3 cm Condition: The woodcut makes a wonderful impression. Foxing and minimal creases; at the lower edge of the sheet remains of an old mounting; small loss at the lower right corner of the sheet.
Fichter Kunsthandel
Dec. 30, 2021
W.LAZIUS (1514-1565), "Longobardus & Herulus", 1557, Woodcut
Est: €450 - €600
Wolfgang Lazius (1514 Wien - 1565 ibid.), "Longobardus & Herulus", 1557, Woodcut Technique: Woodcut on Wove paper Date: 1557 Description: Exceptional engraving, inscribed below the image with: "Longobardus" and "Herulus"; verso with Latin text. Titled above the depiction on page 784: "LIBRI DUODECIMI DE MIGRATIONIBUS GENTIUM & ICONES.". From the famous and very beautifully illustrated chronicle of the early European tribes up to the 15th century: "De aliquot gentium migrationibus sedibus fixis, reliquiis, linguarumque, initiis (et) immutationibus ac dialectis", Basel, 1557 (about the migration of peoples). The work is a valuable source of information on the early history of European tribes, taking into account their customs and social structures as well as their religious beliefs. It also includes early references to figures from the Nibelungenlied. The work is illustrated with twenty-one exceptional woodcuts based on drawings by the author. From the hand of Wolfgang Lazius, humanist scholar and important figure in Vienna as well as in the history of cartography. He wrote the first printed city history of Vienna with sheets engraved by himself and was professor of medicine at the University of Vienna. He also produced a land description of Hungary as a cartographer. Keywords: before 18th century, Figurative, Portraits, Austria, Size: 28,4 cm x 18,1 cm Condition: The woodcut makes a wonderful impression. Foxing, creases in lower margin and with glue remnants of an old mounting; two missing parts in the lower corners of the sheet.
Fichter Kunsthandel
May. 29, 2021
Wolfgang Lazius/Abraham Ortelius
Est: €150 - €195
Landkarte „Tirolis Comitatus“, um 1600,;Altkolorierter Kupferstich, 34 x 25,7cm, gerahmt
Bozner Kunstauktionen
Jun. 27, 2020
LAZIUS, Wolfgang (1514 Wien - 1565 Wien). Landkarte der Grafschaft Tirol.
Est: -
LAZIUS, Wolfgang(1514 Wien - 1565 Wien) Landkarte der Grafschaft Tirol Kolorierter Kupferstich. Wohl 1570. Passepartoutausschnitt: 35 x 26 cm. Gerahmt & hinter Glas : 46 x 36,5 cm. Landkarte der Grafschaft Tirol, bezeichnet: "Rhetiae alpestris descriptio, in qua hodie Tirolis Comitatus"; aus "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum", verso Beschreibung in Latein . Blatt wohl beschnitten. Abraham Ortelius (1527 - 1598) "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum" (auch "Ortelius-Atlas") gilt als der erste moderne und kommerziell erfolgreiche Atlas und wird als eine Zusammenfassung des kartografischen Wissens des 16. Jahrhunderts angesehen; viele der enthaltenen Karten basieren auf sehr seltenen oder nicht mehr existierenden Quellen.
Auktionshaus Wendl
Jun. 09, 2015
LAZIUS, Wolfgang (1514-1565). Comment[arium] rerum Graecarum
Est: £10,000 - £15,000
LAZIUS, Wolfgang (1514-1565). Comment[arium] rerum Graecarum
Christie's
Feb. 14, 2013
Autriche, Tyrol, Croatie,Illyrie, Dalmatie. Lazius
Est: €150 - €200
Autriche, Tyrol, Croatie,Illyrie, Dalmatie. Lazius (Wolfgang) Cartographe viennois du 16ème siècle (1514-1565).Rare carte détaillée des provinces de l'Empire d'Autriche....
Boisgirard-Antonini
Apr. 21, 2012
Exlibris
Est: - €180
Exlibris des Wolfgang Lazius (1514 Wien 1556). Kupferstich 16. Jh. Blgr. 29 x 11,7 cm. - Wegen einiger Fehlst. u. Beschädigungen auf etw. größeres Bl. aufgezogen u. restauriert.
Kiefer Buch- und Kunstauktionen
Mar. 15, 2007
LAZIUS, WOLFGANG.
Est: £300 - £500
HISTORICARUM COMMEMORATIONUM RERUM GRAECARUM LIBRI DUO. HANNOVER: CLAUDE DE MARNE, 1605 folio (328 x 204mm.), [8], 157, [3]pp., illustration: woodcut printer's device on title-page and verso of final leaf, woodcut initials, woodcut illustrations of Greek coins, binding: seventeenth-century calf, "Edward Gwynn" in gilt on upper cover and "EG" on lower cover, manuscript title on fore-edge, spotting and staining, front endpaper torn, upper cover detached PROVENANCE Edward Gwynn (d. c. 1645). According to the Register of Admissions to the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple, Gwynn was admitted to the Middle Temple on 23 November 1610, and called to the Bar 24 June 1631. Other volumes bearing Gwynn's name are to be found in the Middle Temple Library and St John's College, Cambridge. He is famous as the owner of several Shakespeare quartos now in the Huntington Library.
Sotheby's
Mar. 15, 2007
LAZIUS, WOLFGANG (1514-1565).
Est: £50,000 - £60,000
COMMEN: RERUM GRAECARUM LIBRI II. IN QUIBUS TAM HELLADIS QUAM PELOPONNESI, QUAE IN LUCEM ANTEA NON VENERUNT, EXPLICANTUR, [ETC.]. [VIENNA: R. HOFHALTER], 1558 LAZIUS, WOLFGANG (1514-1565). folio (360 x 240mm.), ff. [90], signed [A] B-L4, chi2, M-Y4, title and dedication tablet to Ferdinand printed in red, illustration: title printed within an elaborate woodcut border, with engraved portrait of Lazius by Lautensack on verso ([A]1), engraved quasi-armorial frame enclosing printed dedication (in red) to Ferdinand ([A]2recto), engraved frame of the Twelve Labours of Hercules with inscriptions enclosing "Ad lectorem" ([A]4recto), 2 additional leaves with woodcuts of coins (both with black versos), one bound after [A]5 and the other after chi2, 2 folding engraved maps, one in each part, the first "Chorographia Helladis" and the second "Peloponnesus peninsula" (see further below), binding: early seventeenth-century French mottled calf, gilt arms of Pétau on covers [Olivier 2290 fer 1; see note below], with monogram in six spine compartments, slightly rubbed PROVENANCE Paul Pétau (1568-1614), French littérateur and antiquarian, born in Orléans, or his son Paul-Alexandre Pétau, who in 1628 succeeded him as conseiller at the Parlement de Paris. The son also inherited the father's books and manuscripts. At his death the manuscripts were acquired by Queen Christina and left to the Vatican, the printed books being sold in 1722 at The Hague together with those of F. Mansard; Nicolas-Joseph Foucault with his large engraved bookplate LITERATURE VD16 L846; Karrow 49; see M. Mayr, Wolfgang Lazius als Geschichtschreiber Österreichs: Ein Beitrag zur Historiographie des 16. Jahrhunderts. Mit Nachträgen zur Biographie (Innsbruck, 1894) and the article by E. Trenkler in Biblos (Vienna) 27 (1978), "Wolfgang Lazius, Humanist und Büchersammler". NOTE first edition and a fine copy. The second edition (see lot 3194) has no maps or illustrations. Lazius is one of the great names in the history of humanism in Austria and the German-speaking lands, and an important figure in the history of cartography. His father was the dean of the medical faculty at Vienna University, where Wolfgang Lazius himself took his master's degree, before eventually taking his doctorate at Ingolstadt 1538. This "foreign" doctorate initially militated against his medical career, but he quickly overcame this and became a highly successful medical figure in both the academic and practical spheres. It is however as a historian that he is today remembered, and in particular for his De gentium migrationibus published in Basel by Oporinus (John Dee's annotated copy is in the Macclesfield Library), but he wrote widely, and devoted much attention to Austrian history, publishing a celebrated atlas of Austria in 1561. He also produced a map of Hungary. The two maps of Greece in this work are "purely historical, and all geographical designations have been taken from old authors. The first in based on Ptolemy, the second on Italian models" (Karrow p.340). He had in fact had to make these maps in a hurry, and therefore later decided to revise them, but no copy of the map of northern Greece has come down to us except for a fragment with his bookplate which is in Munich. The revised map of the Peloponnese has survived and is very different from that in this volume. In his dedication to the emperor Ferdinand, Lazius tells us that the maps were made by his own hand and are illustrated with all the geographical features of Greece ("minimis oppidis, castris, nemoribus, montibus... vallibus, fluviis... templis ac portubus adeo notatis, quoad eius fieri potuit quam brevissime in angustis his tabellis..."). He explains how he has drawn on the ancient historians and also on physical survivals (coins etc.), as well as more modern works (he mentions Gerbelius, and his medical friend Jacobus Milich) which, he hopes, will be explained to some extent by his book. He also mentions the Sophianos map, which, he says, is "nimis generalis, et unde tot dubia autorum ac praecipue poetarum lector non intelliget". He also sings the praises of the Oporinus press and its staff, and asks the emperor to excuse his own nervous attempts ("mea ars, quam in sculpendo aere titubantibus meis manibus...") at cartography, and he also acknowledges the criticism which might be levelled by the censorious ("nasuti homines", literally "large-nosed men") that he has never set foot in Greece, but replies that Strabo and Pausanias, and others, have done it for him. The Hungarian humanist Sambucus, in his Veterum aliquot ac recentium Medicorum Philosophorumque Icones of 1574, wrote of him: "Haud Italo, aut Gallis, postponam Lazia scripta / Gnaviter ihtrou vela secutus erat / Colligit Austriacam subolem, Romanaque castra / Ut migrent gentes. Plura daturus obit." This is, by any reckoning, an extremely rare book, of which only a handful of copies are recorded. There is no copy in the British Isles, Karrow lists copies at the BNF Paris, SB Munich (=VD copy), and Harvard (Houghton Library, bound with Nicetas Acominatus, LXXXVI annorum historia, 1557) plus a copy at San Diego in California, and an imperfect copy at Hawaii (lacking the maps). To these should be added the copies in Vienna, Berlin, Tübingen, Augsburg, and a second copy in Munich.
Sotheby's