Engravings Show Native Woman and Scandinavian Woman as Imagined by Artist of Italian Renaissance, 1598
Engraving
Two wood engravings by Cesare Vecellio. Giovanni Bernardo Sessa: Venice, 1598. Each measure 4.75 x 7 inches. One engraving shows a woman from Scandinavia, an early Italian representation of Viking women, with what seems like a weapon in one hand and fire coming out of her mouth. Scandinavian women did share equal rights in many aspects of society. They could own land, initiate divorce proceedings, serve as clergy and run a business. Which may have been the basis for this representation. Female Scandinavian warriors known as “Valkyries,” are certainly an important part of Old Norse literature and would have influenced an Italian Renaissance representation of Scandinavian women. The other image shows a woman in Native American costume as far as Vecellio could imagine it, including feathers on her head, and clad clothing. The image follows closely Columbus description of native Americans. The wood engravings are both from pages taken from Vecellio's De Gli Habiti Antichi e Moderni di Diversi Parti di Mondo, a book showing contemporary fashion from across the world, with some of the earliest woodblock illustrations. Both versos with text. Light toning to borders. Overall very good condition and attractive.Item #18335
Price: $385.00
See all items by Cesare Vecellio Italian Renaissance Women
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