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
Nice example of Merian's fine early map of America. The map is derived from Jodocus Hondius' map of 1618. Includes a marvelous peninsular California with the NW Coast of America stretch almost due westward toward Asia, with over 30 place names....
Striking view of Kampen on the Ysel River, with 2 coats of arms. Shows town plan, fortified walls, bridge, canals, etc.
Striking view of the town and harbor of Riga, including a coat of arms. Matthaus Merian (1593-1650) was a Swiss engraver and one of the most prolific engraver's of town views in the 17th Century. Merian learned the art of copperplate engraving in...
