Aesop, 1750 (E1v)

Although it looks as if it would have been printed earlier, this style of Gothic type and simple woodcuts is characteristic of cheap Dutch printing throughout the 18th century.

Dodoens, Florum, 1568 (A1r)

Christopher Plantin's printer's device illustrates his motto, "Constantia et Labore" ("Perseverance and Work") with a compass, the fixed point of which represents the constancy of perseverance and the outer point representing labor.

Dodoens, Florum, 1568 (C8v)

This illustration of a corn-cockle is printed with a woodblock now owned by the Museum Plantin-Moretus and

Gerard, Herball, 1633 (¶2r)

This engraved title page, with portraits not only of the author but of classical figures and with architectural structures providing an edifice tying the details together, strives to create an imposing authority for this herbal.

Gerard, Herball, 1633 (4y2r)

Even in 1633, the same woodblock is being used to print this illustration of the corn-cockle.

Soldini, Anima brutorum, 1776 (a8r; Getty)

The opening of each chapter in this book features intaglio initial letters, the colors of which vary from copy to copy. In this copy from the Getty, a blue ink is used, but in the Smithsonian's copy, the initial letter is printed in sienna. (The plates facing this page also differ in the two copies; search "Soldini" to compare.)

Soldini, Anima brutorum, 1776 (pl. facing a8r; Getty)

Because plates are printed in a separate process from letterpress text, and because the images in Soldini's work are not closely related to the text, different copies of the book have the plates inserted and bound in different locations. In this copy from the Smithsonian, this is the illustration facing the first chapter, but compare this to the Getty's copy of the book.

Vincent, Discouerie, 1622 (¶2r)

The author's letter to the subject of his critique is set off with a headpiece and an initial letter. Atpically for English books, the prefatory material is signed with a pilcrow (¶).

Vincent, Discouerie, 1622 (4C1r)

A cancel slip has been pasted over the top coat of arms to correct it; in this copy, the slip is slightly askew, making it easy to spot.

Vincent, Discouerie, 1622 (4O2r)

The main text of this page focuses on genealogy, but the bleed-through of the ink on the verso reveals the presence of printed marginalia that has been pasted over (cf sig 4O2v).