Сooperation and inspiration of printer publishers in Antwerp in the age of media change

Abstract

In the 16th century Antwerp, the “metropolis of the west”, was a not only an economic centre in Europe with lots of trade, but also a main centre for the production of (translated) literature. Some very well-known printer publishers started their business and were very active in this town. This contribution shows that the relations between printer publishers in the first half of the 16th century were more collaborative than formerly assumed. Jan van Doesborch and Willem Vorsterman cooperated by sharing material, expertise and knowledge in order to reduce the costs for the production of books and for mutual inspiration. Marten Nuyts, who had taken over Vorsterman’s publishing house after his death (1543), published the first edition of the first book of the Dutch Amadijs (ca. 1546), a translation of the popular Spanish Amadis. There is only one copy of the Dutch book preserved — which is now accessible again — which material aspects are discussed in this contribution in more detail for the first time. Nuyts could not only make use of Vorsterman’s illustration material, his woodblocks and initials, but he was also inspired by Vorsterman’s design of publishing romances and historical works. He adapted ‘foreign’ books to the modern appearance of books in the southern Dutch book market, which shows his flexibility and professionality.