Graphical version

Royal Society

Specimens of calligraphy and natural history illustration

IDENTITY STATEMENT

Reference code(s): GB 0117 MS 68

Held at: Royal Society

Title: Specimens of calligraphy and natural history illustration

Date(s): 17th century

Level of description: sub-fonds

Extent: 5 f.

Name of creator(s): Unknown

CONTEXT

Administrative/Biographical history:

CONTENT

Scope and content/abstract:

A calligraphic sample book, presumably compiled to demonstrate the skills of the unknown artist. Containing samples of writing and drawing styles, including some fine natural history drawings of freshwater animals.
f.1: fanciful decorative border including vignettes of indians with feather headresses, birds, snails, rams' heads, sphinxes, architectural columns, candles and paintings.
f.2: illustrations of four types of freshwater fishes: barbel (top); pike (bottom); bream (left) and gudgeon (right). With outer and inner borders of very small and patterned calligraphy.
f.3: specimen of calligraphy: Proverbs 16: 7-9 commencing "Wenn dem Herrn..." and ending "...aber der Herr allein gibt dass es fortgehe". Highly decorated 'W', using flowers, leaves and fruits.
f.4: seven lines of text with letters staggered at the line centre. Accompanied by a freely drawn bird [a swan on water?] and an illustration of a crayfish or lobster.
f.5r: three columns of written text, various styles and forms of address, commencing "Dantiscanae urbis origo"
f.5v: three coluns of written text, various styles and forms of address, commencing "Qua' tibi depictum..."
The presentation is noted in a meeting of the Royal Society of 26 February 1700/1: "Mr Owen was permitted to be present. He presented a fine piece of writing in a book done on Vellum at Dantzick [Gdansk, Poland]. He was thanked for it". [JBO/10 p.212].

ACCESS AND USE

Language/scripts of material: German and Latin

System of arrangement:

Conditions governing access:

Open

Conditions governing reproduction:

No publication without written permission. Apply to Archivist in the first instance.

Physical characteristics:

Manuscript on vellum; 25x33cms.

Finding aids:

Detailed catalogue

ARCHIVAL INFORMATION

Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information:

Accruals:

Archival history:

Immediate source of acquisition:

ALLIED MATERIALS

Existence and location of originals:

Existence and location of copies:

Related material:

Publication note:

DESCRIPTION NOTES

Note:

Archivist's note: Copied from the Royal Society catalogue by Sarah Drewery.