Hereditas Antikvárium

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16. Könyvárverés

Paris, 1613k.
An exceptionally rare, bird’s-eye view of the region between Ancona and Loreto, published by Jean Messager. Messager was a Parisian engraver, publisher and merchant, who produced numerous Christian devotional images, mainly copies of prints by the Wierix, Collaert, and Sadeler families. The sheet is based on Giacomo Lauro’s engraving of the same title, published in Rome in 1608 (the only known copy of which is in the collection of the Johns Hopkins University). In the centre, the allegorical representation of Mary at the gates of heaven can be seen, surrounded by angels, with the child Jesus in her arms. On the left side, about two-thirds of the piece is occupied by a map-like representation of the pilgrimage routes, highlighting the stations of the “Holy House”, at the end of which – in the lower left corner – the Basilica della Santa Casa can be seen, with the house of the Virgin of Nazareth inside. On the right side of the composition, framed by images depicting the miracles of Our Lady of Loreto, is the Latin text of the Litany of Loreto. Below that is the coat of arms of Marie de Medici, regent of France, held by two angels, followed by Messager’s dedication to her. The empress, who was well-known for her devotion to the Church, visited the pilgrimage site in 1613. In the lower right corner is a side map of the Mediterranean region, illustrating the route of the house from Nazareth to Trsat. The sheet was presumably issued as a separate sheet on the occasion of Marie de Medici’s pilgrimage, which took place with royal formalities according to a carefully planned choreography. No further copies are known to exist.
Dimensions: 370 x 510 (385 x 535) mm. Fine, clear copy.