11514 Nicolas Cochin (1610–1686) – View of the City of Clermont-Ferrand – Engraving (1644)
"Clermont en Auvergne." This engraving presents a panoramic view of the city of Clermont-Ferrand situated upon a volcanic plateau. The composition emphasizes the prominent cathedral and urban architecture rising above the steep slopes of the hill, with a detailed alphabetical key on the left identifying fifteen major landmarks including the bishop's palace, various churches, and the city gates. The right half of the plate features a large, blank oval cartouche draped with elaborate floral garlands and ribbons, intended for a dedication or title. This work was published in Paris as part of the "Topographia Galliae," a significant seventeenth-century cartographic project documenting the urban landscapes of the French provinces. The plate serves as an essential visual record of the medieval and early modern morphology of the capital of Auvergne.
Nicolas Cochin, known as the Elder, was a prolific French draughtsman and engraver who specialized in topographical views, battle scenes, and religious subjects. Based in Paris, he became one of the primary contributors to the monumental architectural and geographical publications of the mid-seventeenth century, working closely with the publisher Matthäus Merian. His style is characterized by a precise use of line and a talent for capturing the atmospheric qualities of landscapes and the structural complexity of fortified cities. Cochin’s extensive body of work provided a standardized visual language for French topography during the reign of Louis XIII and the regency of Anne of Austria. His legacy remains significant for the historical accuracy and artistic elegance he brought to the documentation of the evolving French realm.
Artist or Maker: Nicolas Cochin.
Dimensions: Approximately 51 cm x 63 cm.
Medium: Engraving.
Date: 1644.
Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.
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