Christiansborg ad Occidentem
8 by 10 to 14 inches
DKA3 $125
This very rare work provides the first comprehensive historical and topographical record of Denmark as it existed in the mid 1700’s. It is lavishly illustrated by fine copper engravings of Danish cities and towns, castles, houses, gardens and agricultural landscapes and was issued in 7 volumes during the period 1763-1781. It was at the time well researched through interviews with citizens of each city and town included in the work.
Erich Pontoppidan (1698-1764) was a prelate and Bishop of Bergen, Norway from 1748 to 1754 and the chancellor of the University of Copenhagen. He was widely published and was a scholar in the subjects of history, economy, education, religion and natural history.
The work is a marvelous and very rare pictorial snapshot of a bygone era, with all its charm. Amazingly, some of the very same buildings portrayed in this ancient work still exist almost unchanged in Denmark today. It also contained the earliest known illustration of Mons Klint, Denmark’s famous glaciotectonic site.
The paper is the thin, chain lined paper typical of the period, and darker in color. The plate marks are strong and the plates beautifully engraved, with fine detail. They are a wonderful addition to a print collection, both for the historical value, rarity & the simple elegance of the engravings.
