"Cataractae Danubii vulgo Strudl et Werbl…", Anon.

Two great views on a single sheet, each depicting various watercraft negotiating the rapids of the Danube. At top, a line of barges is being towed through the Strudel, a narrow channel along Werth island. At bottom is a view of the Werbel, a massive whirlpool just below Werth island. In the foreground, a large crowd of onlookers seem to be enjoying a picnic while enjoying the spectacle. These rapids were a major impediment to navigation on the Danube and also attracted robber-knights who often took advantage of the wrecked boats and barges. A strapwork title cartouche divides the views with reference to Scylla and Charybdis, two sea monsters of Greek mythology. .

This rare view was attributed to Frans Hogenberg in an 1896 catalog by Frederik Muller, now in the collection of the New York Public Library. However, there is no engraver's mark and we have not been able to verify the source of the view.

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Condition: B+

Lightly toned with an old repair on the centerfold.