The woodcuts of Ottomans by Melchior Lorck were made in 1570-83, but 1st published (posthumously) in 1626. The British Library has a nearly complete set as loose leaves, which are only known by their description e.g:
A Turkish warrior; whole-length figure, in profile to right; wearing spurs and holding a lance and a large shield in his left hand
A running soldier; whole-length figure, seen from behind; running towards right background; holding a bow in his left hand, a bundle of arrows tucked into his belt
A Turkish archer; whole-length figure, seen from behind; holding the bow in his left hand, the arrow in his right hand
A bearded archer; whole-length figure, in profile to right; wearing a long cloak and turban; a large quiver over his right shoulder, the bow in his left hand; landscape background with various buildings
A governor (Beglerbeg); on horseback in profile to left; wearing a long cloak and turban
The reckless soldier; on horseback, in profile to left, standing in his saddle; about to throw his lance with his right hand
or by the figure numbers that they appear as in modern publications.
The BnF has an intact 1646 edition with a 3 page register of plate descriptions in German. But the numbers on these don't correspond to the order the plates appear in the book, presumably because Melchior Lorck died with the project unfinished. This edition includes a couple of plates without the usual monograms or dates:
Musketeer by Melchior Lorck? &
Standards by Melchior Lorck? which may not be by Melchior Lorck.
There appears to be some very useful information in the register. I have typed my interpretation of some of the register of Melchior Lorck plates. Are there other copies of this register without blotches? Is there a list which matches these descriptions with the plates? A translation into English or someone willing to do this?
MIRROR SITE
Woodcuts of Ottomans by Melchior Lorck
Druzhina
Illustrations of Costume & Soldiers
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