A Compleat Collection of English Proverbs (page 1/3)

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Some woodcuts from “A Compleat Collection of English Proverbs Be Your Gods” by John Ray, 1737. John Ray was a clergyman and a biologist and naturalist; he was born on the 29th day of June, 1628, and named John Wray; he changed his name to Ray when he was 42. He died in 1705.

John Ray Initiative

Title: A Compleat Collection of English Proverbs

Author: Ray, John

Published by: J. Hughs

City: London

Date: 1737

Total items: 14

Out of copyright (called public domain in the USA), hence royalty-free for all purposes usage credit requested, or as marked.

Some sample images

[picture: Chapter head with musical instruments]

Chapter head with musical instruments

Chapter headpieces like this were very popular in the eighteenth century; they remained in widespread use into the early 20th century as a low-cost way to make a book appear more expensive than it really was. There was quite a market in the engraved printing-blocks such as the [...] [more...]

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[picture: Chapter end decoration: eagles]

Chapter end decoration: eagles

A decoration centered after the text of a chapter. I’ve made lots of sizes so you can use it on Web page. The woodcut was clearly fairly old and damaged, and it is not [...] [more...]

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[picture: Detail: burning heart]

Detail: burning heart

A bad case of heartburn or a romantic metaphor? This heart on a pillar with flames coming out of it is a detail from a chapter head. I also made the heart is also a available by itself, without the flames or ornate pedastal or halo. [more...]

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[picture: Chapter Heading Woodcut featuring Neptune and Mermaids]

Chapter Heading Woodcut featuring Neptune and Mermaids

A decorative woodcut from above the Introduction; it is not related to the text. The engraving features Neptune, the God of the Ocean; he is naked, crowned, complete with trident, and rides a chariot with [...] [more...]

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[picture: Tailpiece with Fisherman]

Tailpiece with Fisherman

This elaborate frame, surmounted by a basket of flowers, was used to mark the end of a chapter in the printed book. [more...]

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angels bare feet battles cartici chapterheads cherubs clipart decorations devils eagles fishing floriated borders flowers frames hearts horses initials letterb lettert mermaids musical instruments mythical creatures nudity ornaments page images passé partout initials people romance scrollwork tailpieces title pages transport vignetted initials vinework water weapons

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Some woodcuts from “A Compleat Collection of English Proverbs Be Your Gods” by John Ray, 1737. John Ray was a clergyman and a biologist and naturalist; he was born on the 29th day of June, 1628, and named John Wray; he changed his name to Ray when he was 42. He died in 1705.

John Ray Initiative


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