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Description

This circa 1650 map of Bar-le-Duc, located in the Lorraine region of northeastern France, offers a detailed, bird's-eye view of the fortified town during the 17th century. The map is meticulously engraved, showcasing the town's defensive structures, major buildings, churches, and the surrounding landscape. It features a key with numbered and lettered references to important locations within the town, including churches, gates, fortifications, and significant civic institutions. 

In the first half of the 17th century, Bar-le-Duc was an important administrative and military center in the Duchy of Bar, which was part of the Holy Roman Empire and later absorbed into the Kingdom of France. The town served as the capital of the Duchy and was strategically located along the Ornain River, which provided natural defense and facilitated trade. During the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648), which devastated much of Central Europe, Bar-le-Duc experienced various challenges, including military incursions and the constant threat of conflict. However, its fortified walls and strong defensive position made it a resilient town.

The town’s significance is highlighted by the detailed depiction of its defensive architecture, including gates like Porta Regia (Royal Gate) and Porta Superior (Upper Gate), which were critical during times of siege. Religious institutions, such as the Collegiate Church of St. Maxe and St. Mary's Church, also dominate the town's landscape, emphasizing the central role of the Catholic Church in the daily life of the community. 

The map provides a comprehensive look at Bar-le-Duc’s urban structure, with streets, houses, gardens, and public buildings clearly laid out. The town is divided into upper and lower sections (Superior civitas and Nova civitas), with the river running through the center, acting as both a natural divide and a key feature of the town's infrastructure. The upper town contains more fortified buildings and institutions, while the lower town appears more residential and agricultural. 

Condition Description
Minor discoloration.
Matthaus Merian Biography

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