Netherlands - Kampen / Province of Overijssel; Braun - Hogenberg - Non ciuicatis Campen: sis, cuius situs, Isulam fluuium, eleganti venustate, decorat - 1581-1600

Spectacular and rare 16th/17th-century perspective view of the Hanseatic city of Kampen on the River IJssel, engraved on copper by Braun and Hogenberg and masterfully hand-watercoloured.

This extraordinary, dramatic panoramic view of the city of Kampen, titled in the cartouche above “Non ciuicatis Campen: sis, cuius situs, Isulam fluuium, eleganti venustate, decorat”, is a celebrated work created through the collaboration of publisher Georg Braun (1541–1622) and engraver Frans Hogenberg (1535–1590). Printed in Cologne between the late 16th and early 17th centuries, this fascinating copper engraving originally formed part of the monumental Civitates Orbis Terrarum, the crowning achievement of Renaissance publishing, devoted entirely to plans and views of the world’s most important cities.
The composition offers a breathtakingly detailed profile of the prosperous trading city of Kampen, nestled along the banks of the River IJssel and protected by its mighty medieval walls, punctuated by towers and monumental gates. At the centre of the scene stands the remarkably long, historic wooden bridge connecting the two banks of the river, while the waters are animated by numerous sailing vessels typical of the trade of the period. In the distinctive style of Braun and Hogenberg, the foreground is enlivened by vivid scenes of everyday rural life, illustrating local customs: on the left, a horse-drawn cart carrying passengers makes its way forward, while on the right a farmer and a shepherd lead cattle along a path. The upper part of the sky is solemnly adorned with a majestic, scroll-shaped Mannerist cartouche embellished with garlands of foliage, flanked by two large, elaborate coats of arms supported by the rampant lions of Holland, proudly waving the city’s flags.
The print is in excellent overall condition. Printed on sturdy period paper, it boasts brilliant, richly applied hand watercolouring, executed with exceptional colour sense, beautifully highlighting the architecture of the individual buildings, the vessels, the figures’ costumes and the sumptuous heraldic elements. The sheet shows the customary central publisher’s fold resulting from its original placement in the volume, retains sound, stable margins and bears the usual printed historical text on the reverse, attesting to its authenticity. It is a striking display piece and a remarkable collector’s item for all admirers of Dutch Renaissance cartography.

Dimensions: 41 x 53 cm
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