Early Prints

Art historian Van der Stock undertook the project to catalogue the Royal Library of Belgium's print collection, much of which was acquired in the 19th century when the budget was more advantageous (the project also involved mounting the prints on acid-free supports). Description of the formation of the collection is followed by listings for 574 prints, including anonymous woodcuts, metal cuts, and white-line prints; northern engravings of the 15th century; nielli; and early Italian engravings. The bibliography, concordances, and indices follow, and then presentation of illustrations and plates, occupying about two-thirds of the book. The volume is elegantly produced on heavy stock and is slightly oversize (9.12x5<">). Distributed by David Brown Book Company. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)