About artwork Europa
Reproduction of a coloured copperplate engraving of the Czech edition of a book by German theologian and historian Heinrich Bünting, “Itinerarium Sacrae Scripturae” (“Wanderings of the Saints”) published in 1592 by M. Daniel Adam of Veleslavín (a professor at the University of Prague, and later a noted printer) in the Prague Old Town.
This is an exceptional religious and topographical work, accompanied by illustrated sheets. The copperplate engraving depicts Europe as a recumbent woman in period Renaissance clothing. At her heart hangs Bohemia with the city of Prague, like a golden medallion.
This copy of the book comes from the Library at the Royal Premonstratensian Canon seat at Strahov; the copperplate engraving is reproduced here with the owner’s permission.