Woodcuts of the Hypnerotomachia Poliphili
The 1499 Aldine first edition contains approximately 172 woodcut illustrations — the most ambitious visual program of any incunabulum. Their designer remains unidentified, though Benedetto Bordon is the most widely proposed candidate. The woodcuts integrate text and image with unprecedented sophistication, each composition calibrated to its surrounding typography. Images are from the 1499 first edition (University of Seville copy, via Internet Archive).
Showing 111 woodcuts · 111 with facsimile images
The Great Pyramid
Full-page woodcut of a massive stepped pyramid topped by a tall obelisk surmounted by a figure. Colonnaded portico at th...
Figures with TEMPVS
Group of classical figures, one labeled TEMPVS (Time). Allegorical scene with personified abstractions.
Classical Figures in a Garden
Group of figures in classical dress gathered in a garden or outdoor scene.
Monument with Female Figure, Lamp, and Trilingual Inscriptions
Tall monument with standing female figure holding a lamp. Below: three tiers of inscriptions in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin...
Hieroglyphic Frieze
Two-register frieze with emblematic figures: chariots, winged beings, dolphins, anchors, vessels. Below: Latin majuscule...
Architectural Portal
Grand classical portal with pediment, columns, and medallion busts. Monumental entrance architecture.
Ruins of the Temple
Ruined classical temple with broken columns and fragments. Poliphilo contemplates ancient remains.
Emblematic Medallions (PATIENTIA / Anchor-Dolphin)
Two circular medallion emblems. Top: PATIENTIA EST ORNAMENTVM CVSTO/DIA ET PROTECTIO VITAE. Bottom: anchor-and-dolphin w...
Sleeping Nymph
A sleeping nymph reclining in a classical aedicule with water flowing from the stone. One of the HP's most copied compos...
Five Nymphs Meeting Poliphilo
Five nymphs in classical dress approach Poliphilo in a garden. One extends a hand in greeting.
Cupid on a Sphere
Winged putto (Cupid) standing on a sphere atop a fountain. Water arcs from the base.
Three Figures in Aedicule
Three figures in an architectural niche with pediment. Interior architectural scene.
The Great Fountain
Full-page woodcut of an elaborate tiered fountain. Three levels: sea-horses at base, grotesque masks and sphinxes at mid...
Queen Eleuterylida's Palace
Interior of ornate palace hall with columned arcade. Seven compartments labeled with planetary names: MERCVRIVS, VENVS, ...
Palace Interior with Planetary Compartments
Detailed view of the planetary palace interior showing ornate facades with arabesque panels.
Court Scene with Queen Enthroned
Queen seated on throne under canopy, attended by courtiers and nymphs. Formal court reception scene.
Ornamental Tripod Table
Ornate classical tripod with decorative scrollwork and dolphin-form legs.
Covered Vessel on Wheeled Chariot
Small ornamental urn or covered vessel mounted on a wheeled chariot or cart.
Caryatid Figures Supporting Basin
Three female caryatid figures supporting a basin or table with harp-like decorative elements.
Nymph at Fountain Vessel
Woman standing beside an elaborate fountain vessel on a wheeled platform.
Obelisk with Three Figures
Tall obelisk with three standing figures in niches at its base. Greek and Latin inscriptions. DIVINAE AENINITATI inscrip...
Seated Scholar at Monument
Seated figure at a desk or lectern within a classical architectural frame with pediment and columns.
Two Seated Figures at Pedestal with Medallion
Two seated figures on either side of a pedestal, with a circular medallion portrait above. Classical architectural frame...
The Three Doors
Cave or grotto scene: figures before three inscribed doorways in a rocky mountainside. Inscriptions: THEODOXIA, COSMODOX...
Poliphilo at the Temple Entrance
Group of figures approaching a small classical building or temple. Landscape with trees.
Nymphs and Figures Among Trees
Group of nymphs and figures standing among trees near a building or monument.
Nymphs Walking Through a Grove
Group of nymphs and a central figure walking through a grove of trees.
Garden with Pergola
Two figures standing in a garden with an arched pergola and trees.
First Triumphal Chariot (PRIMA TABELLA)
Two woodcut panels: PRIMA TABELLA showing a chariot with bulls and figures. Beginning of the triumphal procession sequen...
Second Triumphal Panel
Two woodcut panels showing front and rear views of a triumphal chariot with classical figures.
Triumphal Chariot (TRIVMPHVS TERTIVS)
Large triumphal chariot drawn by centaurs with nymphs and musicians.
Triumphal Chariot with Soldiers
Large triumphal chariot drawn by horses with soldiers, musicians, and banner-bearers.
Muses and Apollo Chariot
Triumphal chariot with the Muses and Apollo, drawn by horses. Musical instruments and laurel wreaths visible.
TABELLA DEXTRA Panels
Two stacked panel woodcuts: TABELLA DEXTRA showing figures at a doorway and TABELLA SINISTRA showing an outdoor scene.
PARS ANTERIOR ET POSTERIOR
Two-panel woodcut showing front and rear views of figures in processional arrangement.
TRIVMPHVS: Lovers' Chariot
Large triumphal chariot bearing reclining lovers embraced among garlands and putti. The emotional climax of the processi...
TABELLA DEXTRA (Second Set)
Two stacked panels showing processional scenes with figures at doorways and in landscapes.
PARS ANTERIOR ET POSTERIOR (Second)
Small woodcut showing front and rear views of processional figures.
TRIVMPHVS with Triple Panels
Large chariot woodcut at top plus two TABELLA DEXTRA/SINISTRA panels below. Dense woodcut-text integration.
TERTIVS: Ox Procession
Two stacked panels showing a procession with oxen and figures carrying implements.
Nymphs Approaching Altar
Procession of nymphs approaching an altar or sacrificial table with trees and architecture.
Festive Scene at Fountain
Festive scene with figures gathered around a fountain or basin in a garden setting.
Bacchic Triumphal Chariot
Large Bacchic triumphal chariot with Maenads, Satyrs, and Dionysiac figures. The most explicitly pagan image in the proc...
QVARTVS: Feasting Chariot
Chariot with reclining figures feasting among garlands, fruit, and flowing drapery.
Worship of Priapus
Full-page woodcut: nineteen female and five male figures worshipping at a shrine of Priapus. Densely populated ritual sc...
Section and Ground-plan of Rotunda Temple
Full-page architectural diagram: cross-section and floor plan of the circular Temple of Venus Physizoa. Detailed measure...
Winged Female Half-figure Ornament
Nude winged female half-figure emerging from acanthus foliage. Decorative architectural element.
Globular Lamp Hung in Chains
Ornate spherical lamp suspended by chains. Detailed metalwork design.
Crowning of Lantern in Cupola
Architectural ornament: the lantern crowning the temple cupola, with bells and decorative finial.
Inscribed Tablets in Temple
Two inscribed cartouches/tablets with Greek and Latin text. Hieroglyphic devices in the Temple of Venus.
Procession of Seven Virgins to Altar
Seven virgins in procession approaching the altar in the Temple of Venus. Ritual scene with priestess.
Polia's Torch Extinguished in Altar-fountain
Ceremony scene: Polia extinguishes a torch in the fountain at the altar. Priestess and attendants present.
Temple Ceremony at Altar
Figures gathered around the altar in the Temple of Venus. Ritual scene under classical portico.
Two Virgins Offering Swans and Doves
Two virgins offering swans and doves for sacrifice at the temple altar. Priestess officiates.
The Altar in the Temple of Venus
Detailed view of the altar/vessel on its pedestal in the Temple of Venus.
Temple Ceremony: Miracle of the Roses
Ceremony scene in the temple. Figures gathered around altar as roses appear.
Poliphilus and Polia Receive Fruits
Poliphilus and Polia receive fruits from the priestess at the altar. Completion of the temple ceremony.
Obelisk with Hieroglyphic Devices
Obelisk with hieroglyphic inscriptions plus circular medallion with Latin text. Two woodcuts on one page.
Hieroglyphic Devices and Julius Caesar Medallion
Strip of hieroglyphic emblems (torch, temple, scales, helmet, caduceus) with inscription DIVO IVLIO CAESARI SEMP. AVG. B...
Two Hieroglyphic Medallion Reliefs
Two circular medallions with figural scenes and Latin inscriptions: MILITARIS PRVDENTIA and DIVVLII VICTORIAR.
Polyandrion Architrave Fragment
Architrave fragment with inscription CADAVERIS AMORE FVRENTIVM MISERABVNDIS POLYANDRION.
Cupola Above Entrance to the Crypt
Domed cupola structure with columns marking the entrance to the underground crypt.
Sarcophagus: Interno Plotoni
Sarcophagus with inscription INTERNO PLOTONI TRICORPORI. Classical funerary monument.
Mosaic of Hell on Crypt Ceiling
Large arched scene: mosaic depicting Hell on the ceiling of the crypt. Figures in torment among flames and darkness.
Sepulchral Monument: D.M. Annirae
Architectural monument with urn and inscription D.M. ANNIRAE PVCILLAE. Cherub faces on pedestal.
Sacrifice Relief: HAVE SERIA ORINTVM
Relief panel depicting figures in a sacrifice scene: old man, youth, faun, and dancers. Inscription reads HAVE SERIA ORI...
Epitaph Fragments with Urn
Two epitaph fragments on one page: HEVS INSPECTO FACIO inscription and Greek inscription urn.
Epitaphs: Greek Urn and D.M. Lyndia
Two woodcuts: sepulchral urn with Greek inscription AND tombstone with epitaph D.M. LYNDIA.
Sarcophagus: P. Cornelia Annia
Elaborate sarcophagus with inscription D.M. P.CORNELIA ANNIA NE INDESOLATA. Tiled roof detail.
Sarcophagus with Hieroglyphic Devices
Sarcophagus decorated with hieroglyphic symbols and devices.
Sepulchral Monument with Laurel Wreath
Large sepulchral monument crowned with laurel wreath. Elaborate Renaissance architectural frame.
Sepulchral Monument with Putti
Elaborate sepulchral monument with two putti holding curtain. Arched niche with figure. Relief panels below.
Sepulchral Portal: Gates of Life and Death
Full-page monument: architectural portal with eagle pediment, inscription D.DITI ET PROSER. Two gates below.
Standard of Cupid's Bark
Decorative banner/standard with AMOR VINCIT OMNIA inscription, plus ornamental initial below.
The Bark of the God of Love
Small boat on waves with ornamental prow and stern. Cupid's vessel for the voyage to Cythera.
Tree Clipped in Ring-shape
Topiary: tree shaped into a ring or circular form on ornamental base with pedestal.
Box-tree Clipped as Mushroom
Topiary: box-tree clipped into mushroom shape on stepped circular pedestal.
Peristyle Colonnade with Trellis
Classical peristyle structure with trellis and garden setting. Columns support an ornamental roof.
Plan of the Island of Venus
Full-page diagram: circular plan of Venus's island showing concentric garden zones and central temple.
Ornamental Flower-bed Pattern (Circular)
Circular ornamental flower-bed design with concentric rings of geometric patterns.
Ornamental Flower-bed Pattern (Square)
Square flower-bed design with geometric interlocking patterns and border elements.
Flower-bed in Shape of Eagle
Flower-bed pattern shaped as an eagle with spread wings, inscribed within a rectangular border.
Two Trophy Standards
Two vertical trophy standards side by side: Roman arms trophies with ornamental designs.
Trophy Standards with NEMO Tablet
Two more trophy standards with tablets inscribed NEMO and ornamental winged designs.
Trophy: Laurel Wreath with Cupid
Trophy standard bearing a laurel wreath with a small Cupid figure and tablet inscribed 'Gained by spear'.
Superb Nymph Figure with Javelin
Full-length portrait of a beautiful nymph holding a javelin, standing in a classical pose.
Earthenware Amphora with Fumes
Amphora with odoriferous fumes emerging from orifice. Greek inscription PANTA BAIA BIOY.
Precious Stone Vase with Fiery Sparks
Small ornate vase of precious stone emitting fiery sparks or fumes. Detailed metalwork.
Terminal Figure with Three Male Heads
Classical herm/terminal figure on pedestal. Three male heads facing different directions. Decorative garden element.
Triumph of Cupid
Large procession: nymphs, satyrs, dragons, and captives in Cupid's triumphal procession.
Column Base with Rams' Heads
Architectural detail: column base with rams' heads and sacrifice medallion relief.
The Amphitheatre in Island of Venus
Large architectural section: amphitheater structure with tiered seating, arches, and columns.
Ground-plan of Fountain of Venus
Geometric diagram: heptagonal/octagonal ground-plan of the fountain of Venus. Detailed measurements.
Fountain of Venus: Sarcophagus of Adonis
Garden scene with the Fountain of Venus. Water flows from the sarcophagus of Adonis through a trellis garden with a serp...
Poliphilus and Polia at Fountain of Venus
Garden scene: Poliphilus and Polia with nymphs at the Fountain of Venus, trellis and columns visible.
Polia in Temple of Diana; Poliphilus Prostrate
Temple interior: Poliphilus lies prostrate on the floor while Polia stands in the Temple of Diana.
Polia Drags Prostrate Poliphilus from Sanctuary
Polia drags the unconscious body of Poliphilus away from the temple sanctuary. Interior architectural setting.
Lion, Dog, Dragon Devour Victims
Woodland scene: lion, dog, and dragon devour victims while Cupid flies above with torch and arrows.
Cupid Brandishes Sword over Victims
Cupid brandishes a sword over kneeling women bound to trees. Chariot visible at right.
Dream of Polia: Cupid Punishes Two Women
Two women punished by Cupid in a woodland setting. Figures tied to trees with beasts approaching.
Poliphilus Dead; Polia Kneels in Grief
Interior scene: Poliphilus lies dead on tiled floor while Polia kneels beside him in grief.
Poliphilus Revived in Polia's Lap
Interior scene: Polia cradles the revived Poliphilus in her lap. The lovers embrace on tiled floor.
Priestesses Drive Lovers from Temple
Figures being driven from a classical temple entrance. Priestesses expel the lovers from Diana's sanctuary.
Polia's Bed-chamber Vision
Two-scene woodcut: landscape with figures above, Polia in bed-chamber below. Diana vs Venus contest in sky.
Polia Kneels Before Venus Priestess
Temple scene: Polia kneels before the Venus priestess with Poliphilus beside her. Altar with flame visible.
Enamoured Couple Before Priestess
Interior scene with columns: the couple kneels before the enthroned priestess at altar.
Priestess Enthroned; Lovers Kissing
Interior scene: priestess enthroned above while the lovers kiss in her presence. Witnesses at sides.
Poliphilus Writing at Carved Desk
Interior scene: Poliphilus seated at an ornately carved desk, writing. Bookshelves and architectural details.
Polia Reading Letter in Bed-chamber
Interior scene: Polia reads Poliphilus's letter while seated in her bed-chamber. Small dog at feet.
Poliphilus Before Venus in Clouds
Poliphilus before Venus enthroned on clouds. Cupid at left, figure at right. Divine epiphany scene.
Cupid Shoots Arrow at Bust of Polia
Cupid with bow shoots arrow at bust/figure. Venus seated on clouds at right. The very last woodcut in the HP.