The artwork
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 bay framing the urban area. A numbered key identifies 30 monuments and notable places, including castles, churches, palaces and squares, offering a valuable glimpse of the urban and architectural structure of Baroque Naples.
Matthäus Merian (1593–1650), a Swiss engraver and publisher from Basel, was one of the most important authors of city views of his age. Trained in Zurich, Nancy, Paris and Strasbourg, he settled permanently in Frankfurt, where he worked for the prestigious de Bry publishing house, which he later took over. His ability to combine topographical rigour with aesthetic sensibility has made his engravings historical documents of great value and works of art coveted by collectors and scholars.
The view of Naples is not only a cartographic depiction, but also a living portrait of the city, with its architecture, harbour activity, surrounding hills and the bustle of urban life. Merian's mastery shows in the care for detail and the harmonious composition of the image, making this work one of the most fascinating visual records of 17th-century Naples.
Unique quality material
Print on handmade Amalfi paper
Sheet size: 29 x 42 cm (11.4 x 16.5 in)
With frame: 31 x 44 cm (12.2 x 17.3 in)
Material: artwork printed on very fine handmade Amalfi paper with deckled edges
Frame: light brown beech wood and wood pulp, handmade
