Italy - Veneto / Serravalle; Georg Braun (Colonia, 1541-1622) e Frans Hogenberg (Malines, 1535-1590) - Seravallum Celeberrimum Marchiae Tarvisinae in Agro Foro Juliensi Oppidum - 1581-1600

The work is an exceptional historical-urban document that fotografies the medieval and Venetian structure of Serravalle at its moment of greatest economic splendor. The key elements depicted are:
• The Geometry of the "Stretta": The plan shows with precision how the town is wedged in the mountain gorge, protected by the steep rocky slopes of Monte Marcantone and Monte Altare.
• The Fortifications and the Walls: In the foreground (south side) stand out the massive crenellated walls interspersed with defensive towers with red roofs, which climb the mountain ridges to connect to the upper castra (the Castrum of the Da Camino), sealing the valley hermetically.
• The Meschio River (Meschium Fluvium): Drawn in blue as it sinuously traverses the settlement. At the time the power of the water fed the mills and the magli of the famous local workshops, renowned throughout Europe for sword forging and wool processing.

The work is impressed on contemporary wove paper dating to the late sixteenth century. The sheet preserves wide original margins beyond the line of cut, with the customary central vertical editorial fold present. The paper shows a very light and natural patina of age, with minimal and exceptional foxing.