72 Daniel Meisner (1585–1625) – Title Page for Libellus Novus Politicus Emblematum Civitates Pars Altra – Etching (Frankfurt, 1624)

This emblematic title page, from the rare second part (Pars Altra) of Libellus Novus Politicus Emblematum Civitates, is part of Daniel Meisner’s ambitious Thesauri Philo-Politici project, published in Frankfurt in 1624. The central cartouche is surrounded by six symbolic compositions representing ancient civilizations—Persia, Assyria, Graecia, and Roma—depicted as fantastic beasts and mythological hybrids. At the top, a radiant sun bears the motto Nemo Præsentior (“No one more present”), while the bottom features a medallion with the biblical phrase Confirmata est super nos (“It is established upon us”) alongside an anchor. The work blends encyclopedic knowledge with allegorical and moral-political reflections on antique empires.