Belgium - Flanders (city of Tournai) and Northern France (city of Bergues).; Matthäus Merian (1593–1650) - TORNICK. / WINOXBERGEN. - 1651-1660

A rare and precious combination of two important historic views of Flemish fortified towns, titled respectively "TORNICK." in the upper section and "WINOXBERGEN." in the lower section. This splendid copper-engraved plate was printed in Frankfurt in 1659 for the monumental descriptive work by the heirs of the renowned Swiss-German master of art Matthäus Merian (1593–1650).

The sheet presents a refined composition divided into two distinct linear panoramas of extremely high definition. The upper view shows the spectacular fortified profile of the city of Tournai (indicated with the historic German toponym Tornick), lying along the course of the Scheldt river and dominated by its famous towers and the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral; the signature "Iohan. Peeters delin." in the lower right attests to the original drawing by the notable Antwerp artist Jan Peeters I (1624–1677). The lower view offers the fascinating panorama of the city of Bergues (indicated with the Flemish historic name Winoxbergen or Bergues-Saint-Winoc), defended by massive curtain walls with bastions and characterized by the monumental skyline of its abbey and the main churches, carefully marked by descriptive inscriptions.

Printed on sturdy contemporaneous 17th-century laid paper, this sheet combines extraordinary documentary precision with a strong scenic impact. An elite collectible piece, in excellent condition, ideal for enthusiasts of Baroque urban iconography and local history of the Benelux and the French Flanders.

Dimensions 32 x 38 cm
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