Johannes Stradanus (Jan van der Straet) (1523–1605) (after) Sculptura in aes (The Invention of Engraving). (Plate from the Nova Reperta series). Circa 1591. Chisel. 272 x 201 [355 x 258 mm]. New Hollstein (Johannes Stradanus) 341. A very fine print on thin laid paper, from the 2nd state (of 4), addressed to Philip Galle (later replaced by that of Johannes Galle). A few rare light foxing spots. Beautiful margins. AABM stamp (Lugt 3075). The letter reads "Sculptor nova arte, bracteata in lamina. Scalpit figuras, atque praelis imprimit," which translates to "The sculptor of a new art, on a metal plate, engraves figures and prints them using a press." " The Nova Reperta series illustrates some of the landmark discoveries and inventions in late 16th-century Europe, ranging from the exploration of the Americas to the cultivation of sugarcane, from the invention of the compass to the development of gunpowder. Two sections, *Impressio librorum* and *Sculptura in æs*, are devoted to new printing techniques, depicting a letterpress printing shop and an intaglio engraving workshop, respectively.