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A pair of engravings depicting four obelisks (Vatican Obelisk, Lateran Obelisk, Flaminio Obelisk, and the Esquiline Obelisk), the Santi Apostoli, and Trajan's Column. All of these were part of Pope Sixtus V's urban reform program.

A pair of engravings depicting four obelisks (Vatican Obelisk, Lateran Obelisk, Flaminio Obelisk, and the Esquiline Obelisk), the Santi Apostoli, and Trajan's Column. All of these were part of Pope Sixtus V's urban reform program.

The remaining columns of the massive Greco-Roman "Temple of the Sun," which at various times was used to venerate Helios and Jupiter. The temple was built on the site of an older, Canaanite temple to Baal.

The remaining columns of the massive Greco-Roman "Temple of the Sun," which at various times was used to venerate Helios and Jupiter. The temple was built on the site of an older, Canaanite temple to Baal.

An engraved dedicatory headpiece to a collection of engravings based on the work of Raphael. The engraving depicts a pair of columns, one with a man's head crowned in laurels and the other with a bearded man's head, (sides) and a pair of lions standing above orbs and flanking a trio of feathers and a wreath (top).

An engraved dedicatory headpiece to a collection of engravings based on the work of Raphael. The engraving depicts a pair of columns, one with a man's head crowned in laurels and the other with a bearded man's head, (sides) and a pair of lions standing above orbs and flanking a trio of feathers and a wreath (top).

An engraving depicting a portrait of Pierre de Foix topped with a galero and surrounded by a cherub holding an olive branch and leaning on a column above a multi-headed dragon that has been decapitated. There is an inscription at the bottom reading, "Il finit le Schisme et donna la paix au Siege de Rome."

An engraving depicting a portrait of Pierre de Foix topped with a galero and surrounded by a cherub holding an olive branch and leaning on a column above a multi-headed dragon that has been decapitated. There is an inscription at the bottom reading, "Il finit le Schisme et donna la paix au Siege de Rome."

Columns lining a road leading to the ancient city of Samaria, presumably raised by Herod the Great.

Columns lining a road leading to the ancient city of Samaria, presumably raised by Herod the Great.

A historiated woodcut border framing the first page of Isocrates' Ad Nicolem Regem de institutione principis. The border features a pair of horn blowers, decorative columns, and floral designs.

A historiated woodcut border framing the first page of Isocrates' Ad Nicolem Regem de institutione principis. The border features a pair of horn blowers, decorative columns, and floral designs.

A woodcut border to Luther's Ain Sermon vnd eingang in das Erst buoch Mosi, das ist, in das buoch der Schöpfung : darinn] gründtlich anzaygt wirdt, der Artickel des glaubens So wir sprechen, Ich glaub in Got vatter almechtigen, schöpffer hymel vnd erdtrichs printed in 1524. The border is composed of a single woodcut depicting an architectural archway supported by Corinthian columns (all), a pair of cherubs holding staves (top corners), and a pair of cherubs holding a medallion with a blank shield (bottom).

A woodcut border to Luther's Ain Sermon vnd eingang in das Erst buoch Mosi, das ist, in das buoch der Schöpfung : darinn] gründtlich anzaygt wirdt, der Artickel des glaubens So wir sprechen, Ich glaub in Got vatter almechtigen, schöpffer hymel vnd erdtrichs printed in 1524. The border is composed of a single woodcut depicting an architectural archway supported by Corinthian columns (all), a pair of cherubs holding staves (top corners), and a pair of cherubs holding a medallion with a blank shield (bottom).

A woodcut border to Luther's Ain Sermon von stercke vnnd zuo nemen des glaubens vn[d] der liebe : Aus der Epistel S. Pauli zun Eypesernn printed in 1525. The border is composed of a single woodcut depicting an architectural archway supported by Corinthian columns (all), a pair of cherubs holding staves (top corners), and a pair of cherubs holding a medallion with a blank shield (bottom).

A woodcut border to Luther's Ain Sermon von stercke vnnd zuo nemen des glaubens vn[d] der liebe : Aus der Epistel S. Pauli zun Eypesernn printed in 1525. The border is composed of a single woodcut depicting an architectural archway supported by Corinthian columns (all), a pair of cherubs holding staves (top corners), and a pair of cherubs holding a medallion with a blank shield (bottom).

A woodcut border to Luther's An die Radherrn aller stedte deutsches lands : das sie Christliche schulen auffrichten vnd halten sollen printed in 1524. The border is composed of a single woodcut depicting an architectural archway supported by Corinthian columns (all), a pair of cherubs holding staves (top corners), and a pair of cherubs holding a medallion with a shield featuring a Luther rose (bottom).

A woodcut border to Luther's An die Radherrn aller stedte deutsches lands : das sie Christliche schulen auffrichten vnd halten sollen printed in 1524. The border is composed of a single woodcut depicting an architectural archway supported by Corinthian columns (all), a pair of cherubs holding staves (top corners), and a pair of cherubs holding a medallion with a shield featuring a Luther rose (bottom).

A woodcut border to Luther's An die Radtherren aller Stette teutsches lands : Das sy Christliche schuolen auffrichten vnd hallten sollen printed in 1524. The border is composed of a single woodcut depicting an architectural archway supported by Corinthian columns (all), a pair of cherubs holding staves (top corners), and a pair of cherubs holding a medallion with a blank shield (bottom).

A woodcut border to Luther's An die Radtherren aller Stette teutsches lands : Das sy Christliche schuolen auffrichten vnd hallten sollen printed in 1524. The border is composed of a single woodcut depicting an architectural archway supported by Corinthian columns (all), a pair of cherubs holding staves (top corners), and a pair of cherubs holding a medallion with a blank shield (bottom).

A woodcut border to Augustin von Alveldt's Wyder den Wittenbergischen Abtgot Martin Luther printed in 1524. The border is composed of a single woodcut and depicts an archway decorated with columns (sides), bucrania (top), and a portrait of a man framed by a jousting man and satyr (bottom).

A woodcut border to Augustin von Alveldt's Wyder den Wittenbergischen Abtgot Martin Luther printed in 1524. The border is composed of a single woodcut and depicts an archway decorated with columns (sides), bucrania (top), and a portrait of a man framed by a jousting man and satyr (bottom).

A woodcut border to Johannes Cochlaeus's Confutatio XCI. articulorum e tribus Martini Lutheri Teuthonicis sermonibus excerptorum printed in 1525. The border consists of two woodcuts depicting a pair of decorative columns that include floral motifs and two figures playing horns.

A woodcut border to Johannes Cochlaeus's Confutatio XCI. articulorum e tribus Martini Lutheri Teuthonicis sermonibus excerptorum printed in 1525. The border consists of two woodcuts depicting a pair of decorative columns that include floral motifs and two figures playing horns.

A woodcut border to Johannes Cochlaeus's De Petro et Roma adversus Velenu[m] Lutheranum, libri quatuor printed in 1525. The border consists of two woodcuts depicting a pair of decorative columns that include floral motifs and two figures playing horns.

A woodcut border to Johannes Cochlaeus's De Petro et Roma adversus Velenu[m] Lutheranum, libri quatuor printed in 1525. The border consists of two woodcuts depicting a pair of decorative columns that include floral motifs and two figures playing horns.

A woodcut border to Luther's Der hundert vnnd siben vnd zwaintzigest Psalm, aussgelegt, an die Christen zuo Rigen in Liffland. The border consists of a single woodcut depicting an architectural arch with a pair of animal masks (bottom), armed cherubs (top left and right), and a framed plaque (top).

A woodcut border to Luther's Der hundert vnnd siben vnd zwaintzigest Psalm, aussgelegt, an die Christen zuo Rigen in Liffland. The border consists of a single woodcut depicting an architectural arch with a pair of animal masks (bottom), armed cherubs (top left and right), and a framed plaque (top).

A colored woodcut border to Luther's Die weysse der Messz, : vnnd geniesung des Hochwirdigen Sacraments, für die Christliche Gemayn verteütscht printed in 1524. The boarder is composed of a single woodcut depicting an architectural arch featuring four cherubs and greenery.

A colored woodcut border to Luther's Die weysse der Messz, : vnnd geniesung des Hochwirdigen Sacraments, für die Christliche Gemayn verteütscht printed in 1524. The boarder is composed of a single woodcut depicting an architectural arch featuring four cherubs and greenery.

A woodcut border to Luther's Ermanunge zum Fryde auff die zwölff Artickel der Bawrshafft in Schwaben printed in 1524. The border is composed of a single woodcut depicting an architectural archway supported by Corinthian columns (all), a pair of cherubs holding staves (top corners), and a pair of cherubs holding a medallion with a blank shield (bottom).

A woodcut border to Luther's Ermanunge zum Fryde auff die zwölff Artickel der Bawrshafft in Schwaben printed in 1524. The border is composed of a single woodcut depicting an architectural archway supported by Corinthian columns (all), a pair of cherubs holding staves (top corners), and a pair of cherubs holding a medallion with a blank shield (bottom).

A woodcut border to Luther's Eyn Sermon von stercke vnnd zuonemen des glaubens vnnd der liebe : Aus der Epistel S. Pauli zuon Eypesernn printed in 1525. The border is composed of four separate woodcuts depicting three cherubs holding a plaque with the date of publication (top), a pair of architectural elements with two men standing between pairs of columns and topped with a female and male siren respectively (sides), and a man's torso with plant-like limbs (bottom).

A woodcut border to Luther's Eyn Sermon von stercke vnnd zuonemen des glaubens vnnd der liebe : Aus der Epistel S. Pauli zuon Eypesernn printed in 1525. The border is composed of four separate woodcuts depicting three cherubs holding a plaque with the date of publication (top), a pair of architectural elements with two men standing between pairs of columns and topped with a female and male siren respectively (sides), and a man's torso with plant-like limbs (bottom).

A woodcut border to Johannes Faber's anti-Luther tract printed in 1523. The border consists of four woodcuts depicting a cherub with a bow and arrows atop a decorative column (right), a cherub with a ball atop a decorative column (left), a pair of bucrania flanking a shield with the chi-rho and "EC" on it (bottom), and a group of cherubs (top).

A woodcut border to Johannes Faber's anti-Luther tract printed in 1523. The border consists of four woodcuts depicting a cherub with a bow and arrows atop a decorative column (right), a cherub with a ball atop a decorative column (left), a pair of bucrania flanking a shield with the chi-rho and "EC" on it (bottom), and a group of cherubs (top).

A woodcut border to Luther's German translation of the Old Testament printed in 1523. The border is composed of one woodcut depicting an architectural arch supported by four columns, a gathering of cherubs (top and sides), and a group of worshipers (?) around a crucified Christ (bottom).

A woodcut border to Luther's German translation of the Old Testament printed in 1523. The border is composed of one woodcut depicting an architectural arch supported by four columns, a gathering of cherubs (top and sides), and a group of worshipers (?) around a crucified Christ (bottom).

A woodcut border to Luther's Wider den neuen Abgott und alten Teufel printed in 1524. The border is composed of a single woodcut depicting an architectural archway supported by Corinthian columns (all), a pair of cherubs holding staves (top corners), and a pair of cherubs holding a medallion with a blank shield (bottom).

A woodcut border to Luther's Wider den neuen Abgott und alten Teufel printed in 1524. The border is composed of a single woodcut depicting an architectural archway supported by Corinthian columns (all), a pair of cherubs holding staves (top corners), and a pair of cherubs holding a medallion with a blank shield (bottom).

A woodcut border to a German translation of Luther's letter to Duke Charles III of Savoy printed in 1524. The border consists of a single woodcut depicting an architectural arch or niche decorated with Corinthian columns (sides), a lady and a knight holding blank shields (top left and right), a pair of sirens holding a blank shield (top), a blank shield filled in with a hand-drawn symbol flanked by two cherubs playing the drums and flute (bottom).

A woodcut border to a German translation of Luther's letter to Duke Charles III of Savoy printed in 1524. The border consists of a single woodcut depicting an architectural arch or niche decorated with Corinthian columns (sides), a lady and a knight holding blank shields (top left and right), a pair of sirens holding a blank shield (top), a blank shield filled in with a hand-drawn symbol flanked by two cherubs playing the drums and flute (bottom).

A woodcut border to Luther's Ordenung vn[d] bericht wie es furterhin (mit yenen so das hochwirdig Sacrament empfahen wolle[n]) gehalten soll werden printed in 1525. The border consists of a single woodcut depicting a lion lying between a pair of decorative columns (sides and bottom) and an arch with fish and floral decorations (top).

A woodcut border to Luther's Ordenung vn[d] bericht wie es furterhin (mit yenen so das hochwirdig Sacrament empfahen wolle[n]) gehalten soll werden printed in 1525. The border consists of a single woodcut depicting a lion lying between a pair of decorative columns (sides and bottom) and an arch with fish and floral decorations (top).

A woodcut border to Tommaso de Vio Cajetan's De diuina institutione Pontificatus Romani Pontificis super tota[m] ecclesiam: a Christo in Petro printed in 1521. The border consists of four separate woodcuts depicting floral and decorative column motifs.

A woodcut border to Tommaso de Vio Cajetan's De diuina institutione Pontificatus Romani Pontificis super tota[m] ecclesiam: a Christo in Petro printed in 1521. The border consists of four separate woodcuts depicting floral and decorative column motifs.

A woodcut border to Luther's Vier trostliche Psalmen, an die Königin zu Hungern printed in 1527. The border is comprised of a single woodcut depicting an architectural border supported by four columns with cherubs leaning on them (sides) and cherubs holding shields (top corners).

A woodcut border to Luther's Vier trostliche Psalmen, an die Königin zu Hungern printed in 1527. The border is comprised of a single woodcut depicting an architectural border supported by four columns with cherubs leaning on them (sides) and cherubs holding shields (top corners).

A woodcut border to Luther's Vonn dem grewel der stillmesse, so man den Canon nennet printed in 1525. The border is comprised of a single woodcut depicting an architectural arch featuring a pair of Corinthian columns, six cherubs, a shield, and floral decoration.

A woodcut border to Luther's Vonn dem grewel der stillmesse, so man den Canon nennet printed in 1525. The border is comprised of a single woodcut depicting an architectural arch featuring a pair of Corinthian columns, six cherubs, a shield, and floral decoration.

A woodcut border to Augustin von Alveldt's Widder Luthers trostung ann die Christen zu Hall : vber er Georgen yhres Predigers todt, szo viel die entpfahung des hochwirdigen Sacraments belangt printed in 1528. The border consists of a single wood cut depicting a pair of columns, one with bulls heads (sides), a pair of cherubs holding the coat of arms of Dresden (bottom), and an arch decorated with floral designs (top).

A woodcut border to Augustin von Alveldt's Widder Luthers trostung ann die Christen zu Hall : vber er Georgen yhres Predigers todt, szo viel die entpfahung des hochwirdigen Sacraments belangt printed in 1528. The border consists of a single wood cut depicting a pair of columns, one with bulls heads (sides), a pair of cherubs holding the coat of arms of Dresden (bottom), and an arch decorated with floral designs (top).

A woodcut border to Zwei kaiserliche uneinige und widerwärtige Gebote den Luther betreffend printed in 1524. The border is composed of four separate woodcuts depicting three cherubs holding a plaque with the date of publication (top), a pair of architectural elements with two men standing between pairs of columns and topped with a female and male siren respectively (sides), and a man's torso with plant-like limbs (bottom).

A woodcut border to Zwei kaiserliche uneinige und widerwärtige Gebote den Luther betreffend printed in 1524. The border is composed of four separate woodcuts depicting three cherubs holding a plaque with the date of publication (top), a pair of architectural elements with two men standing between pairs of columns and topped with a female and male siren respectively (sides), and a man's torso with plant-like limbs (bottom).

The title page of Georg Sabinus' Electio et coronatio Caroli .V. Imp. Aug, featuring the coat of arms of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, which features the two-headed eagle of the Holy Roman Empire, bearing a quartered shield representing the regions he rules.

The title page of Georg Sabinus' Electio et coronatio Caroli .V. Imp. Aug, featuring the coat of arms of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, which features the two-headed eagle of the Holy Roman Empire, bearing a quartered shield representing the regions he rules.

The title page of Etlich Cristlich lider Lobgesang, vn[d] Psalm : dem reinen wort Gottes gemess, auss der heylige[n] schrifft, durch mancherley hochgelerter gemacht, in der Kirchen zu sigen, wie es dann zum tayl berayt zuo Wittenberg in übung ist featuring four decorative panels, the left and right mirrored decorative columns, the top featuring Jesus/God, and the bottom (printed upside-down) featuring a pair of horns with two swans and fish.

The title page of Etlich Cristlich lider Lobgesang, vn[d] Psalm : dem reinen wort Gottes gemess, auss der heylige[n] schrifft, durch mancherley hochgelerter gemacht, in der Kirchen zu sigen, wie es dann zum tayl berayt zuo Wittenberg in übung ist featuring four decorative panels, the left and right mirrored decorative columns, the top featuring Jesus/God, and the bottom (printed upside-down) featuring a pair of horns with two swans and fish.

A historiated woodcut border of Institutio principis Christiani : saluberrimis referta praeceptis. The border features cherubs, columns, male and female figures merged with the floral designs, as well as a pair of rabbits.

A historiated woodcut border of Institutio principis Christiani : saluberrimis referta praeceptis. The border features cherubs, columns, male and female figures merged with the floral designs, as well as a pair of rabbits.

A woodcut border on the title page of Luther's Sermon Am Pfingstmontag das Evangelium. Joan. iij printed in 1522. The border consists of a single woodcut and depicts an architectural arch or niche decorated with Corinthian columns (sides), a lady and a knight holding blank shields (top left and right), a pair of sirens holding a blank shield (top), a blank shield filled in with a hand-drawn symbol flanked by two cherubs playing the drums and flute (bottom).

A woodcut border on the title page of Luther's Sermon Am Pfingstmontag das Evangelium. Joan. iij printed in 1522. The border consists of a single woodcut and depicts an architectural arch or niche decorated with Corinthian columns (sides), a lady and a knight holding blank shields (top left and right), a pair of sirens holding a blank shield (top), a blank shield filled in with a hand-drawn symbol flanked by two cherubs playing the drums and flute (bottom).

The title page of Galileo Galilei's Systema cosmicvm, authore Galilæo Galilæi ... : in quo qvatvor dialogis, de duobus maximis mundi systematibus, Ptolemaico & Copernicano, vtriusq; rationibus philosophicis ac naturalibus indefinite propositis disseritur featuring Aristotle, Claudius Ptolemy, and Nicolaus Copernicus gathered between a pair of columns holding up a banner with the book's title. Above the title, a pair of cherubs support the Medici coat of arms. Ptolemy holds an armillary sphere model and Copernicus holds a model of the Earth orbiting the Sun.

The title page of Galileo Galilei's Systema cosmicvm, authore Galilæo Galilæi ... : in quo qvatvor dialogis, de duobus maximis mundi systematibus, Ptolemaico & Copernicano, vtriusq; rationibus philosophicis ac naturalibus indefinite propositis disseritur featuring Aristotle, Claudius Ptolemy, and Nicolaus Copernicus gathered between a pair of columns holding up a banner with the book's title. Above the title, a pair of cherubs support the Medici coat of arms. Ptolemy holds an armillary sphere model and Copernicus holds a model of the Earth orbiting the Sun.

The title page of Johan Eck's Vmb den grossen sig Kaiserlicher Maiestat, in Thunis verlihen, Got zu dancken, zwů predig ... features the coat of arms of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, featuring the two-headed eagle representing the Holy Roman Empire surrounded by the collar of the chivalric Order of the Golden Fleece and flanked by a pair of crowned columns representing the Pillars of Hercules. Above the coat of arms is the Charles V's motto, "Plus Ultra," translating to "Further Beyond."

The title page of Johan Eck's Vmb den grossen sig Kaiserlicher Maiestat, in Thunis verlihen, Got zu dancken, zwů predig ... features the coat of arms of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, featuring the two-headed eagle representing the Holy Roman Empire surrounded by the collar of the chivalric Order of the Golden Fleece and flanked by a pair of crowned columns representing the Pillars of Hercules. Above the coat of arms is the Charles V's motto, "Plus Ultra," translating to "Further Beyond."

The title page of Martin Luther's Wider die mordischen vnd reubischen Rotten der Pawren featuring an architectural frame including floral patterns, columns, and a pair of fish.

The title page of Martin Luther's Wider die mordischen vnd reubischen Rotten der Pawren featuring an architectural frame including floral patterns, columns, and a pair of fish.

The title page of Hans Baumann's Wie, vnd inn wölcher gestalt, der Eömischer [i.e. Römischer] Kayserlichen Mayestat, Landtgraff Philips von Hessen, auff dem neüntzehenden tag Junij, zuo Hall in Sachsen den fuossfall gethon. M.D.XLVII featuring the coat of arms of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, which features the two-headed eagle of the Holy Roman Empire, bearing a quartered shield representing the regions he rules. The eagle is flanked by a pair of columns representing the Pillars of Hercules and his motto, "Plus Oultre," translated as "Further Beyond."

The title page of Hans Baumann's Wie, vnd inn wölcher gestalt, der Eömischer [i.e. Römischer] Kayserlichen Mayestat, Landtgraff Philips von Hessen, auff dem neüntzehenden tag Junij, zuo Hall in Sachsen den fuossfall gethon. M.D.XLVII featuring the coat of arms of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, which features the two-headed eagle of the Holy Roman Empire, bearing a quartered shield representing the regions he rules. The eagle is flanked by a pair of columns representing the Pillars of Hercules and his motto, "Plus Oultre," translated as "Further Beyond."

An engraving depicting a bust of Jan Žižka atop a column featuring a laurel wreath. The figure is wearing armor and a helmet with a partial eyepatch.

An engraving depicting a bust of Jan Žižka atop a column featuring a laurel wreath. The figure is wearing armor and a helmet with a partial eyepatch.

A woodcut initial letter "U" depicting Moses praying before God in Heaven, who is holding a globus cruciger. Moses is here depicted with horns, which was common before the Renaissance. The shape of the "U" includes two cherubs atop pillars and a bound bird.

A woodcut initial letter "U" depicting Moses praying before God in Heaven, who is holding a globus cruciger. Moses is here depicted with horns, which was common before the Renaissance. The shape of the "U" includes two cherubs atop pillars and a bound bird.

A view of the ancient city of Gerasa near modern Jerash in Jordan showing the ruined remnants of a Greco-Roman city.

A view of the ancient city of Gerasa near modern Jerash in Jordan showing the ruined remnants of a Greco-Roman city.

The ruins of the Roman temple complex at Baalbek looking north. The exterior wall of the Temple of Bacchus is visible on the right, while the six Corinthian style columns of the Temple of Jupiter are visible on the left.

The ruins of the Roman temple complex at Baalbek looking north. The exterior wall of the Temple of Bacchus is visible on the right, while the six Corinthian style columns of the Temple of Jupiter are visible on the left.

The ruins of the Corinthian style colonade of the Temple of Jupiter at Baalbek looking south, with the Temple of Bacchus, mistakenly identified as a temple to Helios, the sun god, in the background.

The ruins of the Corinthian style colonade of the Temple of Jupiter at Baalbek looking south, with the Temple of Bacchus, mistakenly identified as a temple to Helios, the sun god, in the background.

The northern interior wall of the Temple of Bacchus, misidentified as the Temple of Jupiter, which shows a colonade of Corinthian style columns incorporated into the wall.

The northern interior wall of the Temple of Bacchus, misidentified as the Temple of Jupiter, which shows a colonade of Corinthian style columns incorporated into the wall.

A fisherman with his net beside the partially submerged columns that mark the ancient remnants of the city of Tyre.

A fisherman with his net beside the partially submerged columns that mark the ancient remnants of the city of Tyre.

Columns remaining in the ruins of the Temple of Augustus, built by Herod the Great, including the altar.

Columns remaining in the ruins of the Temple of Augustus, built by Herod the Great, including the altar.

An engraving of the Column of the Virgin, which originally supported part of the Basilica of Constantine and was moved by Pope Paul V to the Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore across from the eastern face of the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. Surrounding the depiction of the column iteslf are four panels showing the inscriptions that appear on each side of the column's base.

An engraving of the Column of the Virgin, which originally supported part of the Basilica of Constantine and was moved by Pope Paul V to the Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore across from the eastern face of the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. Surrounding the depiction of the column iteslf are four panels showing the inscriptions that appear on each side of the column's base.