Compendium Rarissimum: "Asmodeus" (c. 1792)
DIMENSIONS
• 9" x 12" (Image: 7.5" x 9.88")
• 12" x 16" (Image: 10" x 13.19")
• 16" x 20" (Image: 12.88" x 17")
• 20" x 24" (Image: 15.19" x 20")
• 24" x 30" (Image: 19" x 25")
Archival Inkjet on Fine Art Paper
Smooth Surface - Matte Finish - Inset Borders
ABOUT THE ARTWORK
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Compendium Rarissimum is the quintessential black magic grimoire, containing 31 Gothic illustrations of named demons, lesser evil spirits, rituals, tools and sigils. Inscribed in Latin and German, it provides instructions for signing a blood-pact with the Devil, the construction of a magic mirror, and the use of psychoactive plants to aid in summoning Hell’s denizens and bending them to your will. Its title page reads in full, “Compendium rarissimum totius Artis Magicae sistematisatae per celeberrimos Artis hujus Magistros, Anno 1057. Noli me tangere,” or “Most rare Compendium of the entire Magical Art put together by the most famous Masters of this Art. Year 1057. Do not touch me.”
Textual references fix the actual date of the manuscript to no earlier than 1792. It is believed to be of Austrian origin, and to derive from a family of treasure-hunting grimoires, called "Höllenzwang," that promised the magical tools to uncover vast riches that had been hidden from marauding armies during the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648). Its provenance before 1928 is unknown, when it was sold to London’s Wellcome Library by Viennese antiquarian bookseller V. A. Heck.
Credit Line: Image by the Wellcome Library, London (CC BY 4.0).
ART-CENTRIC DESIGN
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Vintage art is not standardized. The original works are usually too long, or too short, to neatly fill a store-bought frame. Most shops arbitrarily crop the artwork to match, leading to claustrophobic prints with missing or partial elements. These modifications — sometimes trivial, sometimes ludicrous — are not always shown in the product photos.
We believe that the purpose of art is not to fill a frame; it is the purpose of a frame to showcase the art.
Our prints have inset borders that make up any differences in proportion between the artwork and a standard frame, so that you can experience the art as the artist intended. They look sharp in beveled mats, may be float mounted, or inserted directly into standard frames; the borders providing a mat-like accent around the image. There are many styles from which to choose.
Framing is a fun, creative process that enhances the artwork and livens your space for years to come. Should you like any advice, feel free to reach out.
CUSTOMIZATION AND IMAGE REQUESTS
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We are happy to customize our prints to fit your frame. Borderless prints may require the artwork to be cropped to fit a new aspect ratio. In such cases, we will provide a mockup to ensure that the final product meets with your approval.
If you’re looking for an artwork that is not in our catalog, feel free to ask if we can provide it. We will print any public domain or openly licensed image that is available in high resolution.
MUSEUM QUALITY
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Giclée process prints are the gold standard in fine art reproduction. We use a matte finish, cotton fiber paper to maximize detail while eliminating glare. Our prints display a wide color gamut, deep blacks and beautiful tonal transitions. Produced using only archival materials, they will not fade or yellow, but maintain their original quality for as long as you own them.
HANDMADE DECLARATION
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To assure artistic quality, all of our production and design is strictly in-house. Every print has been proofed, calibrated and inspected for defects. We do not drop ship, resell or make use of third-party production partners.
SHIPPING AND PACKAGING
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All orders ship within one business day via USPS First Class, Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express. Sizes 9” x 12” and 12” x 16” ship in a flat configuration, unless combined with larger prints, which require tubes. We will replace any lost or damaged items at no expense to you.
HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
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We will promptly address any issues that may arise with your order. If you are unhappy with your print for any reason, you are welcome to return it for a full refund.
