Fiandre / Paesi Bassi - Cambrai; Matthäus Merian il Vecchio (1593 – 1650) - Camerich - 1621-1650

Magnificent, rare, and sharp panoramic horizontal view along the horizon of the historic fortified city of Cambrai, titled in the center “Camerich,” engraved and published by the famous Swiss-German master Matthäus Merian the Elder (1593–1650) in Frankfurt am Main. The plate, originally inserted within the renowned monumental chorographic works of Merian’s workshop such as the Topographia Germaniae or the Theatrum Europaeum, portrays the city from a south-western viewpoint during the crucial geopolitical phases of the mid-17th century. The engraving demonstrates with absolute mastery and fine burin work the unmistakable skyline of the city, dominated by the imposing religious architectures of the era, each identified by precise German descriptive inscriptions including the majestic Cathedral of Our Lady (“Der Thumm”), the historic Church of Saint Martin (“S. Martin”), the Town Hall (“Rathauß”), and the Church of Saint Magdalene (“S. Magdalena”). The urban profile is protected by the mighty bastioned walls and by peripheral star fortifications, described on the exterior sides as “Castel” and “Die Festung.” In the foreground a rural landscape animated by pedestrians on foot and on horseback gives depth and realism to the scene. The print is in truly superb condition, with crisp inking, excellent chiaroscuro contrast, and wide clean margins, making it a work of art and a highly collectible object for specialists in Flemish historical cartography and old European city views.

The print is mounted at the edges on an antique sheet of paper
Dimensions of the print alone: 14 x 36 cm
Will be shipped by courier