Woodcuts from the Poliphile of Prince William of Orange

Hypnerotomachie, ou, Discours du Songe Poliphile, in the 2nd French translation was printed in Paris in 1554 by Jacques Kerver. The Mannerist style woodcuts were based on the Aldine editions, but adapted to French taste and included 14 additional illustrations. The identity of the artists who performed the woodcuts in the Italian and French editions remains a topic of debate in academic circles. The designs in the 1499 edition have been associated with Benedetto Bordon, Andrea Mantegna, Gentile Bellini and even a young Raphael. [1] The illustrations in the French edition of 1546 show that more than one artist was at work, with the painter Jean Cousin and the architect and sculptor Jean Goujon considered likely candidates for the best woodcuts.