• presentation of the map reproduction without a frame
  • detail of the map from the centre
  • detail of the map from the centre left
  • detail of the map from the top left corner
  • detail of the map from the bottom left corner
  • detail of the map from the top right corner
  • detail of the map from the bottom right corner
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Ancient city plan map of Metz, 1640

SKU:  195355

Ancient city plan map of Metz, 1640

€66,64 EUR
€66,64 EUR
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The 1640 engraving of Metz by Matthäus Merian is a finely executed panoramic view that exemplifies the precision and aesthetic discipline of seventeenth-century topographical illustration. Produced within the context of Merian’s influential publishing work, particularly the Topographia Galliae, the image documents Metz at a time when it was a strategically significant and heavily fortified city on the eastern frontier of France.

The composition is structured from an elevated vantage point, allowing a comprehensive overview of the urban layout and its defensive system. Metz is depicted as a compact, densely built city encircled by extensive fortifications, including walls, bastions, and gates. These defensive elements are rendered with clarity, reflecting the city’s military importance in a region frequently contested between French and imperial powers.

A defining feature of the scene is the presence of the Moselle River, which winds through and around the city, forming natural barriers and channels that enhance its defensive strength. Bridges span the नदी, linking different quarters and facilitating internal circulation and trade. The integration of waterways into the urban fabric is emphasized, underscoring both practical and strategic considerations.

Within the walls, the cityscape is characterized by tightly packed buildings and a network of narrow streets. Prominent religious and civic structures rise above the rooftops, particularly the cathedral, whose imposing form dominates the skyline and serves as a focal point of visual and symbolic significance. Towers and spires punctuate the horizon, contributing to a rhythmic architectural profile.

Beyond the fortified perimeter, the surrounding landscape opens into cultivated fields and gently rolling terrain, indicating the agricultural resources supporting the city. Merian’s rendering balances observational detail with compositional order, presenting Metz as both fortified and prosperous.

Overall, the engraving functions as a historical record and an artistic representation, capturing the strategic, architectural, and civic identity of Metz in the mid-seventeenth century.

Find more maps of Matthäus Merian

Materials

Cotton canvas, matte photo paper, fine art paper, pigmented inks.

  • The canvas it's 99 % cotton, 450 gr/sqm;
  • The matte photo paper it's acid-free (archival paper), 190 gr/sqm;
  • The fine art photo paper it's satinated (semi-glossy), 140 gr/sqm.

Shipping & Returns

Dispatching time: 1-2 days.

* Standard shipping fee: The orders will be sent by priority registered mail, usually via client National Post (USPS, Canada Post, Royal Mail, LaPoste, Deutsche Post, PostNL, etc). The delivery times are not guaranteed, sometimes it will take longer and these are beyond our control. Tracking number will be provided. Clients from US and Canada cannot track the parcels as the tracking numbers are not rolled in USPS and Canada Post systems.

* UPS standard: The orders will be sent with UPS expedited option. The delivery time it's between 5-11 days. Tracking number will be provided after dispatch.

* UPS express: The orders will be sent with UPS express saver. The delivery time it's between 4-7 days. Tracking number will be provided after dispatch.

Framing tips

Both type of materials, paper and canvas prints come rolled and will be need to be taken to your local framers.

The image it's printed with a border of 0.6 " (1.5 cm), for framing purposes only.

If you have already a frame, be sure you send us the exact size of the print that will fit inside the frame. We're printing on vectorial plotters so the size could slightly be more or less with 0.4" (1 cm).

If you plan to have the canvas print stretched on wooden frame, you'll need additional border, so please let us know after placing the order.

The images above was cropped from the image at the biggest size available (keeping the best quality and aspect /ratio), so, for good details please choose biggest dimensions that will suit your preferences / space.

Care Instructions

The print media (canvas or photo paper) could be cleaned only with a dry, soft cloth.

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