T.Cross sculp

Although many title pages designed and engraved by Thomas Cross (active 1632-1682) are signed by the artist, such as the one above, others are not making attribution difficult. A new print has been identified. Note the name Cross in the bottom right:  Johannes Praetorius (1630-1680), Anthropodemvs Plvtonicvs: das ist eine neue Welt-Beschreibung von allerley wunderbahren Menschen ... (Magdeburg: In Verlegung Johann Lüderwalds, 1666). 2 pts. in 1 v. Title page designed and engraved by Thomas Cross (active 1632-1682). Columbia University.

Cross has been discounted over the years as a minor 17th-century engraver. The DNB states, “His style shows no attempt at artistic refinement, but merely an endeavour to render faithfully the lineaments of the persons or objects portrayed; this he executed in a dry and stiff manner.” In fact, his designs are filled with fancy and imagination. The multiple compartments used above were repeated in several other books, such as The Rich Cabinet, seen below. Both volumes are very worn, leaving one image very dark and the other very brown.John White, A rich cabinet (London: printed for William Whitwood at the sign of the Golden Lion in Duck-Lane near Smith-field, 1668). Graphic Arts Collection (GAX) N-000210