Wooden printing presses < Previous | Next >
               
 
divider
Chronological overview
divider

Before 1550

1551 - 1600

1601 - 1650

1651 - 1700

1701 - 1750

1751 - 1800


divider
Notes
divider
Appendices
divider
References
divider
Index
divider
 

1740

Coin

Click here to enlarge the image.

Source:

Title: Medal
Illustrator: -
Engraver: Martin Holtzhey
Location: Haarlem
Year: 1740
Links: [Scan 1], [Scan 2].

Comments:

William Blades (1869) describes the reverse of this coin as ‘The wood near Haarlem, where Coster is seated upon the stump of a tree, his name appearing in small letters upon the hem of his tunic. In his right hand is the letter A, which he has just cut upon a piece of wood. His left is extended, and he seems to speak with Wisdom, which under the form of Minerva descends upon him from the clouds. The rays from heaven which fall upon him over the head of Minerva shew that the art of Printing originated from a still higher source, coming direct from heaven itself. To the left is a miniature printing-press and materials, with which three Cupids are busily work- ing. Exergue : TYPOGRAPHIA HIC PRIMVM INVENTA CIRCA ANN. MCCCCXL. Upon the border are the initials of the engraver, M. H.’ (Plate 2E). A description can be found on page 24-25.

Christian Friedrich Gessner (1740) shows an illustration in volume 4, Table 1, number III. A description can be found in volume 3, page 177-179.

The Dutch Rijksmuseum has an etching/gravure by Jan Wandelaar, dated 1740. It is not clear which book contains this page.

Technique:

Casting?

Literature:

References:

Blades, William (1869) A list of medals, jettons, tokens, & c., in connection with printers and the art of printing. London. (see Plate 2E).

Gessner, Christian Friedrich (1740) Die so nöthig als nützliche Buchdruckerkunst und Schriftgiezerey, mit ihren Schriften, Formaten und allen dazu gehörigen Instrumenten Volume 4, Table I, number III. A description can be found in volume 3, page 177-179.

  Colofon