Kufic Arabic Inscriptions Keyed A to G, Antique Niebuhr Print, 1780

An original antique copper engraving, published in 1780, a wide folding plate of Arabic inscriptions in an angular script, each keyed by a capital letter. No title or caption is engraved on the sheet.

A, at the upper left, is a tall block of short lines of angular letters. B, at the upper right, is a similar tall block. Between them, C is a small square of interlocking letters set on its point like a diamond. D is a single short band of squared letters placed below block A. Across the lower half of the sheet, E is a two line band of tall display script in which the upright strokes are knotted and interlaced into ornamental forms. F is a single line of broad letters drawn with shaded edges, so that each stroke stands out in relief, and G is two shorter lines of plain, open letter forms at the bottom. The letters are drawn large and spaced widely, with no background, so that each shape can be followed.

The plate number Tab: XLIII. is engraved at the upper right. No artist's or engraver's name is lettered on this sheet.

The plate comes from the second volume of Carsten Niebuhr's Voyage en Arabie & en d'autres Pays circonvoisins, Tome Second, the French translation printed at Amsterdam by S. J. Baalde and at Utrecht by Barthelemy Wild, with the title page dated MDCCLXXX. Carsten Niebuhr (1733 to 1815) was a German born surveyor in Danish service and the only member of the Danish expedition to Arabia (1761 to 1767), sent by King Frederick V of Denmark, to return alive. The account was first published in German at Copenhagen; this is the French translation printed in Amsterdam and Utrecht.

Light uneven toning, browner toward the edges. A few small foxing spots in the margin. Folding plate, original center fold as issued. Small crease at the bottom left corner. Shallow nicks along the bottom edge.

This is an original antique print, not a modern reproduction. This item is sold unframed.