1654 M. Merian, Panorama from Brunnen towards Schwyz, Mythen, Switzerland

Caspar Merian after Matthias Merian

Prospect des Haupt Flectens Schwÿtz

Prospectus Suitia Capitis Pagvrum

Published 1654

From two plates with folds as issued. 33 x 55 cm

Panoramic view from the banks of Lake Lucerne, Switzerland towards Schwyz and the Mountains of Mythen. Lake Lucerne is labeled as "4. Waldtstätten See" (Vierwaldstättersee), translating to "Lake of the Four Forested Cantons." A numbered legend below the map demarcates various structures and landmarks of the towns depicted. These include Brunnen, Steinen, Schwyz and Rickenbach.

Matthaus Merian the Elder was born in Basel, Switzerland on the 22nd of September 1593. He began his career in the arts with the engraver Friedrich Meyer in Zurich, where he studied copper engraving as well as drawing. In 1619 he went to Frankfurt and was employed by the well-known publisher Johann Theodor de Bry. He would go on to take over and complete two works started in 1590 by de Bry, Grand Voyages and Petit Voyages respectively. Merian the Elder is perhaps best known for the work he produced in partnership with Martin Zeiller titled Topographia, one of the largest publishing works at the time, which ultimately totaled 21 volumes. The work was continued by Merian’s sons Matthaus the Younger and Caspar upon his death in June of 1650.

4 marginal supports (not affecting image and not visible from verso of plate). One tiny rust pin hole.