"Ierusalem", Bruyn, Cornelius de

Spectacular, panoramic view of Jerusalem as viewed from Mount of Olives with several figures in the foreground. Cornelis van Bruyn (1652-1726) was a painter who traveled through the Holy Land and other portions of Asia. De Bruyn had to disguise his activities because this was a repressive period during the Ottoman rule when foreigners were regarded with suspicion and the making of "graven images" was prohibited. De Bruyn avoided detection by pretending to be picnicking with two Franciscan monks who stood guard while he made his drawings. This gorgeous view of Jerusalem is probably the engraving for which he is best known. His works are particularly historically valuable because of their accuracy. Printed on two joined sheets as issued.

References: Laor #967.

Condition: B

Extremely dark, crisp impression with folds as issued. Professionally repaired tear in top left of the view and a tiny damp stain in the blank margin.