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Striking birdseye view of Zurich, from Merian's Neuwe Archontologica Cosmica . . ., published in 1638. Shows detailed town plan, Limat River, Zyrich See, fortified walls, a canal, buildings, churches, bridges, and the neighboring region. Gorgeous elaborate coat of arms with approximately 50 smaller coats of arms surrounding. Key shows about 30 places.
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
![[Lake Neuchâtel]](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/73670.jpg)