Amsterdam – Matthäus Merian, 1638

“Amsterdam”, copper engraving made by Matthäus Merian in 1638 for the “Newe Archontologia Cosmica” by J.L. Gottfried. Coloured by a later hand. Size: 27 × 35 cm.

This decorative city plan depicts Amsterdam in bird’s-eye view, seen from the IJ, where numerous ships emphasize the bustling activity of the harbour. In the upper corners, the city’s coat of arms and seal are shown.

Soon after the completion of the Third Expansion (“Derde Uitleg“) in 1625, city plans began to appear showing the outline of a subsequent enlargement. The line of fortifications was projected to extend from the Leidsegracht across the Amstel, terminating at the IJ. This gave the city a symmetrical outline, characteristic of Amsterdam’s later form—also clearly visible on Merian’s plan.

While the Third Expansion had been completed, the next major enlargement to the east and south still largely remained to be realised. Within the new line of fortifications, the canal belt (“Grachtengordel“) is not yet shown in its finished state. Large parts of the intended expansion area still consist of elongated plots and agricultural or yet-to-be expropriated land lying outside the then-existing city.

Price: Euro 575,-