Christophe Plantin, French printer
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Christophe Plantin, French printer
Christophe Plantin (1520-1589), French printer and humanist. Plantin was born near Tours and was apprenticed to a bookbinder in Caen. In 1549 he married and moved to Antwerp to set up his own business. In 1555 he opened his own printing works and soon became famous for the quality of his books. Around this time he started working on formalising his typography. It appealed particularly to King Philip II of Spain who supported Plantins greatest project, the polyglot Bible of 1569-73. Philip was so impressed that Plantin was given the job of printing all of the liturgical works needed by the Church within Philips states. Despite this apparent devotion to the Catholic Church, Plantin was a member of a sect of heretical mystics and many of their books were produced at Plantins presses. This woodcut comes from van Opmeers Opus chronographicum orbis universi published at Antwerp in 1611
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Media ID 6297293
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1500s 16th Century Catholic Catholicism Heretic Humanist Printing Renaissance Square Wood Cut Bookmaker Christophe Christopher Mono Chrome Plantin
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases Christophe Plantin, a renowned French printer and humanist of the 16th century. Born near Tours, Plantin embarked on an apprenticeship as a bookbinder in Caen before venturing to Antwerp in 1549 to establish his own business after marrying. In 1555, he founded his printing works which swiftly gained recognition for producing books of exceptional quality. Plantin's dedication to perfecting typography caught the attention of King Philip II of Spain, who became an ardent supporter of his work. This led to Plantin's most significant undertaking - the polyglot Bible project spanning from 1569-1573. The impressive outcome left Philip deeply impressed and subsequently entrusted Plantin with printing all liturgical works required by the Church within his dominions. Despite outwardly appearing devoted to Catholicism due to this association with the Church, it is intriguing to note that Plantin was actually a member of a sect known for their heretical mysticism. Many books associated with this unorthodox group were produced at Plantin's presses during this time. The woodcut featured in this print originates from van Opmeers' "Opus chronographicum orbis universi" published in Antwerp in 1611. It offers us a glimpse into history and highlights the remarkable contributions made by Christophe Plantin as both a printer and humanist during the Renaissance period.
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