Venetia

Large and detailed birdeye view of Venice. Top right the City Arms. Copper engraving from 'De rebus publicis hanseaticis' of Johann Angelius von Werdenhagen published by Matthaeus Merian 1641. One of the most beautiful and impressive birdeye views of Venice. With the smaller islands Murano, Torcello and Burano in background. Printed from two plates.

Minor browning from former framing, two creases in upper area, some repaires in margin. Very good condition.

Matthäus Merian the Elder was born September 22nd, 1593 in Basel. He studied drawing and copper engraving from the engraver Friedrich Meyer in Zurich. 1619 he went to Frankfurt where he worked for the publisher Johann Theodor de Bry, whose daughter he married. He took over and completed the editions of Grand Voyages and Petit Voyages which de Bry started in 1590. Together with Martin Zeiller he produced the popular series of Topographia with total 21 volumes. The work was continued by his sons Matthäus the Younger and Caspar. Merian died June 19th, 1650 in Bad Schwalbach.