"Bern / Bern die Hauptstatt in Nuchtland...", Merian, Matthaus

This remarkably intricate bird's-eye view depicts the fortified town of Bern in Switzerland. A key along the bottom of the engraving identifies 14 places of interest, including the Zytglogge tower and the original oak wood bridge crossing the Aare in the east. In the foregound, numerous figures model the local dress. At the top of the engraving there are two putti bursting through the clouds, hoisting the Bern coat of arms.

References: cf. Shirley (BL Atlases) G.MERI-23a #144.

Condition: B+

A crisp impression on watermarked paper. Tears along the centerfold in the top and bottom margins have been closed on verso with paper tape.