This woodcut tail-piece shows the mythological figure Atlas. In the original Greek telling of the ta

This woodcut tail-piece shows the mythological figure Atlas. In the original Greek telling of the tale Atlas, a titan, was sentenced to forever hold up the sky after taking part in the titans’ war against the Olympian gods. Over time, Atlas’ portrayal changed; instead of holding a celestial sphere on his shoulders, he was depicted holding the earth. The term atlas to refer to a bound collection of maps probably dates from the sixteenth century.

Image from: Robert de Vaugondy, Gilles. Atlas Universel. Paris: Chez les Auteurs, Quay de l'Horloge du Palais, Boudet Libraire Imprimeur du Roi, Ruë St. Jacques, 1757.

Call number: G1015 .R6 1757     

Catalog record: https://bit.ly/3Ddn0SF