GALLIA LE ROYAUME DE FRANCE FRANKREICH
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Attractive full-color example of Merian's decorative map of France. The map, a slightly reduced in size but close copy of Blaeu's map, includes a large cartouche, compass rose, and four coats of arms. The map is extensively and accurately detailed, typical of Merian's maps. Parts of adjoining countries are shown including Belgium, Luxembourg, England, Spain, and Switzerland.
The four coats of arms are all crested with crowns, representing the French monarchy. The Fleur de Lys in the bottom left is accompanied by an L, representing Louis XIII, the current ruler. The double-headed eagle signals that France was considered an empire.
Excellent hand colour
Very good condition.
code : M4990
Cartographer : MERIAN Matthaus MERIAN
Date : 1640c Frankfurt
Size : 27.5*36 cms
availability : Sold
Price : Sold
Matthäus Merian der Ältere (or "Matthew", "the Elder", or "Sr."; 22 September 1593 - 19 June 1650) was a Swiss-born engraver who worked in Frankfurt for most of his career, where he also ran a publishing house.
Born in Basel, Merian learned the art of copperplate engraving in Zürich. He next worked and studied in Strasbourg, Nancy, and Paris, before returning to Basel in 1615. The following year he moved to Frankfurt, Germany where he worked for the publisher Johann Theodor de Bry, who was the son of renowned engraver and traveler Theodor de Bry.
In 1623 Merian took over the publishing house of his father-in-law after de Bry's death. In 1626 he became a citizen of Frankfurt and could henceforth work as an independent publisher. He spent most of his working life in Frankfurt.
He produced the 21-volume set was collectively known as the Topographia Germaniae. It includes numerous town plans and views, as well as maps of most countries and a World Map-it was such a popular work that it was re-issued in many editions. He also took over and completed the later parts and editions of the Grand Voyages and Petits Voyages, originally started by de Bry in 1590.
After his death, his sons Matthäus Jr. and Caspar took over the publishing house. They continued publishing the Topographia Germaniae and the Theatrum Europaeum under the name Merian Erben (i.e. Merian Heirs).
