Comenius, Johann Amos. Orbis Sensualium Pictus: A Work Newly Written by the Author in Latin, Translated into English by Charles Hoole. London: Printed for C. Mearne, 1685.
As depicted by Comenius, the study is a secluded room where the reader could be alone with his books, away from the distractions of the world, visible through the window at the left of the illustration. The figure depicted is perhaps a student, locked away with his books and specialized equipment for reading them thoroughly. The table features a raised bookstand with a magnifying glass attached on the right side. Scissors lay on the stand. The student appears to be copying from the book onto a piece of paper. The room also has specially built shelves for holding the books not in use and a lamp to provide good reading light. It was in such an isolated, contemplative setting that much early modern reading, especially by highly educated individuals such as Gabriel Harvey or Francis Bacon, would have taken place.
Folger Call No. C5525. Page 126, plate 98.
