Italy - Covolo di Butistone, Valsugana, Brenta, Primolano, Cismon del Grappa, Veneto / Trentino; Matthäus Merian (1593 - 1650) - Kofel - 1621-1650

Spectacular, rare, and renowned original copperplate engraving representing an original perspective view from the mid-17th century, depicting the impregnable military fortress of Covolo di Butistone (historically noted in German cartography as "Vöstung Kofel"). Located in a gigantic suspended karst cavity about 50 meters above the valley along the Valsugana gorge, the fortress controlled the strategic passage on the Brenta River (Brenta fließ) between the territories of Trento and the Republic of Venice. The engraving magnificently documents the bold architecture of the fortress, including the famous iconographic detail of the soldier lowering himself along the vertical wall by means of a rope. At the bottom of the composition there is an explanatory legend (from A to K) describing the key points of the area, including the fortress (Vöstung Kofel), the Chiusa Pass (Paß Clausen), Primolano, the Cismon Canal, Castelnuovo, and Borgo Valsugana.

The work has been marvelously cut by the famous Swiss-German master Matthäus Merian the Elder (1593 - 1650). This specific sheet represents the most famous and sought-after iconography of the Covolo and is drawn from the monumental descriptive work "Topographia Provinciarum Austriacarum: Austriae, Styriae, Carinthiae, Carniolae, Tyrolis etc.," published in Frankfurt am Main starting in 1649 in collaboration with Martin Zeiller.

Execution technique in refined copperplate engraving (burin and aquatint) on sturdy contemporaneous wove paper, printed rigorously in black and white. The state of conservation is superb, characterized by fresh and contrasted inking, wide healthy margins, and the central editorial fold well preserved. An extraordinarily fascinating piece, rare and highly contested by military history, Venetian, Trentine, and Alpine fortifications collectors.

Dimensions 21 x 33 cm
Will be shipped by courier