Map of Naples in the early 1600s by Matthäus Merian

This decorative view of Naples, engraved by Matthäus Merian in the first half of the 17th century, is a masterpiece of precision and artistic beauty. It depicts the city in a richly detailed panoramic perspective, with the outline of Vesuvius in the background and the gulf framing the urban area. A numbered legend identifies 30 relevant monuments and places, including castles, churches, palaces, and squares, offering a valuable insight into the urban and architectural structure of Baroque Naples.

Matthäus Merian (1593–1650), a Swiss engraver and publisher of Basel origin, was one of the most important authors of city views of his time. Trained in Zurich, Nancy, Paris, and Strasbourg, he eventually settled in Frankfurt, where he worked for the prestigious de Bry publishing house, which he later took over. His skill in combining topographical rigor with aesthetic sensibility made his engravings highly valuable historical documents and sought-after works of art by collectors and scholars.

The view of Naples is not only a cartographic representation but also a vivid portrait of the city, with its architecture, port activities, surrounding hills, and the dynamics of urban life. Merian's mastery emerges in the attention to detail and the harmonious composition of the image, making this work one of the most fascinating visual testimonies of 17th-century Naples.

Unique quality material

Print on handmade Amalfi paper
Sheet size: 40 x 30 cm
With frame: 43 x 33 cm
Material: work printed on very high quality handmade Amalfi paper with deckled edges
Frame: Light brown, made of beech wood and handmade wood paste