Title page to Holland's "Herwologia"

Crispijn de Passe I

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing featuring a central large oval cartouche filled with Latin text, flanked by architectural and classical figures. Above the cartouche, a cherubic figure, flanked by two seated figures, holds an image of a map labeled "Angliae brevis descriptio." Two main figures are seated on pedestals, one holding a staff and the other holding a pen and a scroll. Latin inscriptions along the top depict relevant quotations or mottos. Below the central text, there is a smaller detailed cartouche depicting the cityscape of London, labeled as "Londini." The style is reminiscent of classical allegories and iconography, emphasizing harmony and symmetry in the arrangement of text and figures. The detailed lines, hatching, and textures show the draughtsman's skill.