11506 Matthäus Merian the Elder (1593–1650) – View of the City and Port of Marseille – Engraving (1641)
"Massilia. Marseille." This engraving presents a panoramic bird's-eye view of the city and port of Marseille from the surrounding hills. The composition illustrates the densely packed urban center concentrated around the Old Port, with numerous sailing vessels anchored in the harbor and navigating the Mediterranean waters. In the foreground, a prominent church or monastery stands on a rocky outcrop, while the background features the distinctive islands of the Frioul archipelago and the distant horizon. This work was published in Frankfurt am Main as part of the Topographia Galliae, a monumental cartographic series documenting the major cities and provinces of France. The plate serves as a primary geographical record of seventeenth-century Provencal maritime life and urban development during the reign of Louis XIII.
Matthäus Merian the Elder was a renowned Swiss-born engraver and publisher who operated one of the most influential printing houses in seventeenth-century Europe. Based in Frankfurt, he specialized in high-quality topographical views, city plans, and scientific illustrations. He is best known for his massive Topographia series and the Theatrum Europaeum, which combined technical precision with artistic elegance to document the geography and history of the continent. Merian's workshop was famous for its mastery of copperplate engraving, employing a style characterized by fine line work and sophisticated perspective. His legacy remains vital to the history of cartography, as his meticulously detailed plans provided the standard visual reference for European cities for over a century.
Artist or Maker: Matthäus Merian the Elder.
Dimensions: Approximately 32 cm x 40 cm.
Medium: Engraving.
Date: 1641.
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.
| Värdering | 300 - 400 SEK |
| Köparprovision (inkl. moms) | 24.4% |
| Slagavgift (inkl. moms) | 6 SEK |
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