Mathaus Merian (1593-1650) was the father of engraver Matthäus the Younger, and of the painter, engraver, and naturalist Maria Sibylla Merian. He was born in Basel, Switzerland and trained in engraving in Zurich. After a time in Nancy, Paris and Strasbourg, he settled in Frankfurt. While there, he worked for Johann Theodor de Bry, the publisher and son of the travel writer. In 1617, he married Maria Magdalena de Bry, Johann Theodor’s daughter. In 1623, Merian took over the de Bry publishing house upon the death of his father-in-law. Merian’s best known works are detailed town views which, due to their accuracy and artistry, form a valuable record of European urban life in the first half of the sixteenth century
Bird's-eye view of the Dutch capture of the fort at Porto Calvo in 1637, from Merian's Theatrum Europaeum. This bird's-eye view illustrates the Dutch capture of the fort at Porto Calvo in February and March of 1637. The region was a major area of...
A striking map of Morocco, showing large fortified towns of Marrakesh, Taroudant and Fez, towns, mountains, rivers, lakes, etc. Tangier, Ceuta and Rio Rabata also appear. Large decorative cartouche and sailing ships. Abraham Ortelius is credited in...
