Belgio / Paesi Bassi Spagnoli / Fiandre - Oudenaarde; Matthäus Merian il Vecchio (1593 – 1650) - Audenaerde - 1621-1650

Fascinating, rare and detailed horizontal panoramic view in line with the horizon of the historic Flemish city of Oudenaarde, titled in the center "Audenaerde.", etched and published by the renowned Swiss-German master Matthäus Merian the Elder (1593–1650) in Frankfurt am Main. The plate is part of the renowned and monumental chorographic works of Merian's workshop, specifically the volumes dedicated to the provinces of the Burgundian Circle and the Flemish Lands. The engraving describes with extraordinary and sharp burin precision the fortified skyline of the city perched on the banks of the Scheldt River (indicated in the legend with the letter "A - Scaldis flu."), displaying its main monuments. Among these stand out the majestic Church of Saint Walburga ("S. Walburg"), the famous Gothic town hall ("Rathauß") and the Church of Our Lady of Pamele ("Kirche de Pamela"). The entire composition is further enriched at the top by four splendid heraldic coats of arms and finely engraved blazons (featuring the royal Spanish emblem and the Lion of Flanders). At the bottom, symmetrically arranged at the corners inside elegant parchment scrolls, are two detailed explanatory legends with numeric and alphabetic references (from 1 to 15 and letters A–A) in German and Latin, which individually identify city gates, monasteries, ramparts and fortifications. The specimen presents in truly superb condition, with strong ink, excellent chiaroscuro contrasts and wide original margins intact. A refined work of art and great documentary importance, ideal for enriching collections of European views and ancient cartography of the Flemish Lands.

Dimensions 11.5 x 33 x 5 cm
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