Netherlands - Middelburg (Zeeland); Joan Blaeu...

Splendid and fascinating urban-era cityscape, printed on contemporaneous laid paper and originally titled in the majestic Baroque cartouche “Middelburgum.” This superb bird’s-eye view bears the signature of the famous Amsterdam publisher and cartographer Joan Blaeu (1596–1673) and is taken from the monumental atlas of Dutch cities published in the mid-Seicento. The work offers extraordinary and meticulous topographical, architectural, and urban documentation of the 17th century for the city of Middelburg, capital of Zeeland, showing with impeccable geometric and millimetric precision the complex fortified perimeter with advanced bastions, flooded moats, access gates, and guardwalks. The engraving stands out for its exquisite decorative details of great historical value. In the upper left corner stands the official coat of arms of the city of Middelburg, topped by a ducal crown. In the opposite lower corner, a monumental Baroque cartouche encloses the title of the work, finely overlaid by an architectural kiosk that reproduces a stylized tower. The internal planimetric layout describes with incredible care the course of the interior canals regulated by sluices, the dense arrangement of individual private dwelling plots, the main market squares, and the monumental civil and religious buildings of the port city. This refined print represents a precious historical testimony of rarity and undeniable collectible charm, ideal for lovers of 17th-century vedutism or as an important antique piece. Dimensions 45 x 55 cm Will be shipped by courier

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