Cooper Hewitt Showcases Stradanus's Nova Reperta Print Series and Preparatory Sketches
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum holds nine preliminary drawings from Stradanus's Nova Reperta series, a 1591 print collection highlighting innovations. Created by Flemish artist Jan van der Straet (Stradanus) with engraver Philips Galle and patron Luigi Alamanni, the series features twenty prints depicting technological and colonial advancements like the compass, printing, and America's discovery. The museum's sketches reveal the artistic process, showing how concepts were visually developed. The works reflect early modern perspectives on novelty and collaboration, with themes relevant to contemporary discussions on innovation and authorship.
Key facts
- Cooper Hewitt possesses nine preparatory drawings for the Nova Reperta print series
- The series was first published in 1591 by Stradanus and Philips Galle
- It includes twenty prints focusing on innovations such as the compass, printing, and silk production
- Patron Luigi Alamanni contributed intellectual direction to the project
- The series reflects Florentine intellectual circles and early modern views of progress
Entities
Artists
- Jan van der Straet (Stradanus)
- Philips Galle
- Jan Collaert II
- Theodor Galle
Institutions
- Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
- Accademia degli Alterati
- Nationalmuseum, Stockholm
Locations
- Florence
- Antwerp
- Italy