Allegorical images of Europe in some atlas titlepages, frontispieces, and map cartouches

Abstract

From the 16th century onwards many map-makers and authors provided decorative titlepages or frontispieces at the beginning of their works. These often displayed allegorical images and symbols reflecting the books' contents, in order to attract potential readers. This contribution looks at some notable examples depicting images of Europe. Similar visual pictures often occur in the cartouches of maps of Europe. One mythological image frequently used was that of the rape of Europa by the god Jupiter disguised as a bull, a fable based on Ovid's Metamorphoses. Other representations show Europe seated on a throne, as a superior ruler of other continents or, later, as the sponsor of the arts and the sciences. In some titlepage engravings of the 17th century she is shown defending the continent from the attacks of the Ottomans from the east. Later 19th century images may depict Europe in a more nationalistic role, flanked by each country's armorial shield.