Zwolle – Joan Blaeu, 1649-1652

“Swolla”, coper engraving of Zwolle published by Joan Blaeu between 1649 and 1652 as part of his townbook of the Low Countries “Novum Ac Magnum Theatrum Urbium Belgicae Liberae Ac Foederatae.” Coloured by a later hand. Size: 41,5 x 52,5 cm.

At the center of the city lies the Grote Markt (“Groote merct”) with the Grote or Sint-Michaëlskerk (number 1 on the legend), a three-aisled hall church dating from 1406. A few hundred meters to the west stands the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption (2) (a basilica since 1999). The striking tower, nicknamed the “Peperbus” (Pepper Shaker), has become a symbol of Zwolle. The city hall is a bit harder to locate. It is marked on the map with number 8, in the Sassenstraat, just behind the Grote Kerk. This rather modest town hall from 1448 was partially demolished and replaced with a new building in 1863.

The defensive rampart was constructed during the Twelve Years’ Truce, based on a plan by Abraham van Nievelt. On the northern side (to the left), an ‘island’ with five bastions protects the Nieuwe Wetering. The city itself was defended by six bastions and a hornwork in front of the Sassenpoort (24, at the top right).

In 1649, Joan Blaeu hurriedly included a map of Zwolle in his atlas. At that time, Zwolle’s fortifications were only schematically represented. However, Blaeu soon revised his map, with the bastions newly engraved, details added to the surrounding areas, and several notable buildings drawn in greater detail. Blaeu based his map on that of Braun & Hogenberg from 1572, but supplemented it with information provided by the city authorities. The Nieuwe Markt, laid out in 1645 on the grounds of the Bethlehem Monastery, is the last change shown on the map. As a token of appreciation for their assistance, the map was dedicated to the “most noble, most distinguished, and most wise gentlemen mayors, aldermen, and councilors of the free imperial city of Zwolle.”

Price Euro 975,-