• 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
  • Vintage map or illustration of a landscape with buildings and a river.
  • detail of the map from the top right corner
  • Vintage illustration of a castle with trees and a detailed border
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Ancient perspective view of Fribourg, 1655

SKU:  195344

Ancient perspective view of Fribourg, 1655

€74,97 EUR
€74,97 EUR
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The engraving Freÿburg in Vchtlandt. Fryburgum Nuitoniae (1655) by Matthäus Merian presents a detailed panoramic view of the city of Fribourg, rendered with the precision and elegance characteristic of seventeenth-century European topographical prints. Produced as part of Merian’s extensive publishing enterprise, most notably the Topographia Germaniae, the image reflects both documentary intent and artistic refinement.

The composition adopts a high, oblique vantage point, offering a comprehensive view of the city’s urban structure and its dramatic natural setting. Fribourg is shown perched on a rocky promontory, encircled on multiple sides by the winding Sarine River, which forms a natural defensive barrier. The steep cliffs and narrow approaches emphasize the city’s strategic position, while bridges spanning the river connect different quarters and facilitate movement.

Within the fortified perimeter, the city appears densely built, with tightly clustered houses organized along winding streets that follow the contours of the terrain. Towering above the skyline are ecclesiastical structures, most notably the cathedral, whose spire dominates the composition and symbolizes both spiritual authority and civic identity. Defensive elements such as walls, gates, and watchtowers are carefully delineated, reflecting the importance of security in early modern urban life.

Beyond the city, the surrounding landscape unfolds into gently rolling countryside, dotted with fields, forests, and scattered գյուղեր. This contrast between compact urban density and open rural space highlights the relationship between the city and its hinterland.

Merian’s engraving balances accuracy with idealization. While grounded in careful observation, the scene is composed to emphasize order, harmony, and prosperity. Decorative elements, including title cartouches and inscriptions, frame the image and provide context.

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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