"Basilea. Basel", Merian, Matthaus
Subject: Basel, Switzerland
Period: 1640 (circa)
Publication:
Color: Black & White
Size:
13.9 x 10.5 inches
35.3 x 26.7 cm
This detailed bird's-eye view shows the fortified city of Basel on both sides of the Rhine. The city is strategically situated on a great bend in the Rhine River where the borders of Switzerland, France, and Germany meet. The view is filled with details down to individual streets, buildings, bridges, towers, churches, gardens, and the busy river traffic. There are two legend, one for each bank of the Rhine, that together locate 42 buildings. A striking city crest decorates the upper right corner, and a simple compass orients north to the lower right.
References: cf. Shirley (BL Atlases) G.MERI-23a #147.
Condition: B+
A fine impression with light toning along the centerfold and light soiling that is mostly confined to the blank margins. There is a centerfold separation in the bottom blank margin that has been closed with paper tape on verso.
