Boekhandel van de Plantijnse drukkerij te Antwerpen, 16e eeuw after 1886

This anonymous engraving, "Boekhandel van de Plantijnse drukkerij te Antwerpen, 16e eeuw" (Bookstore of the Plantin printing house in Antwerp, 16th century), depicts the bustling interior of a 16th-century printing house, likely inspired by the famous Plantin-Moretus Museum. The scene showcases various figures, including a printer examining manuscripts at a desk, a customer browsing, and others engaged in printing tasks. The image highlights the meticulous work involved in creating books during the Renaissance, with shelves brimming with volumes and tools strewn across the workspace. The print is a testament to the thriving printing industry in Antwerp during the 16th century.