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
Decorative birdseye view of Florence on the Arno River, from Merian's Neuwe Archontologica Cosmica . . . , published circa 1640. A number of the major buildings are clearly identifiable, including the Duomo in the center of town. Shows buildings,...
![[Palermo] Panormo](/map/small/69802.jpg)
Detailed map of Palermo, published by Merian circa 1640. Includes the harbor, fortified walls and an elaborate coat of arms, with a key locating 66 places in and around the city.
Striking birdseye view of Burgos, from Merian's Neuwe Archontologica Cosmica . . ., published in 1638. Shows town and hillside, buildings, churches, etc.
Striking birdseye view of Burgos, from Merian's Neuwe Archontologica Cosmica . . ., published in 1638. Shows town and hillside, buildings, churches, etc.
Decorative map of the Iberian Peninsula, including Majorca, Minorca and Ibiza, from Merian's Neuwe Archontologica Cosmica . . ., published in 1638. Includes decorative coat of arms and title cartouche.
A beautiful map of the islands of Majorca, Minorca, and Ibiza, along with the contiguous Catalan Coastline. The map is based upon a larger map which appeared in Blaeu's Atlas Novus. Includes Sea monsters, ships, royal coats of arms, and an elegant...
A detailed town plan of Lisbon, showing the town, harbor, fortified walls, canals, waterfront, and important public buildings, squares, and more. The map includes a key naming 34 places, including famous castles, churches, and other notable points in...
Decorative map of Portugal, based upon an earlier map by Willem Blaeu. Includes a decorative cartouche and scale of miles, 2 coats of arms, 2 sailing ships and a allegorical sea god riding a whale.
Striking pair of bird's-eye views of Candia and Corphu, from Merian's Neuwe Archontologica Cosmica ..., published in 1638. Shows two fortified harbor towns, castles, topographical details and ships in the harbors.
![Candia cum Insulis alijs proxime ei adiacentibus [with] Corfu [with] Cefalonia [with] Zante](/map/small/67978.jpg)
Decorative maps of Crete, Corfu, Cefalonia and Zante. Includes nice detail in each of the Islands. Upper neatline trimmed, else a nice example. Normally a $250.00 map.
![Turcicum Imperium. Turckiche Reich. Concordia res parvae crescunt Discordia maximae dilabuntur [shows Cyprus]](/map/small/68352.jpg)
Striking full color example of Merian's map of the Turkish Empire. Extends from Sicily and Italy in the West to the Black & Caspian Seas in the North and the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea and Saudi Arabia peninsula in the South.
Decorative birdseye view of Stockholm from across the harbor, from Merian's Neuwe Archontologica Cosmica, published in 1638. Shows buildings, churches, bridges, ships, docks, fortified walls of the city, and the surrounding area. The coat of arms of...
Interesting map of Scandinavia, illustrating the theater of the Second Northern War. In 1657, during the Second Northern War, Denmark launched a war of revenge against Sweden (then distracted in Poland), which turned into a complete disaster....
Decorative map of Denmark, from Merian's Neuwe Archontologica Cosmica . . ., published in 1638. Includes 2 decorative coats of arms and title cartouche.
Striking birdseye view of Copenhagen, from Merian's Neuwe Archontologica Cosmica . . ., published in 1638. Shows town, buildings, churches, harbor, bridges, ships, fortifications, etc. Coat of arms below title and key showing 6 major landmarks.
An attractive antique map of China, Tartary, and Central Asia. This map covers a vast area in intriguing detail which reflects European knowledge about the world at the time during which it was made. The detail shown includes many rivers, mountain...
