Bilder Mattheus Smallegange (1624–1710) – View of the City of Zierikzee – Engraving (1696)

Beskrivning

This topographical engraving provides a detailed bird's-eye view of the fortified city of Zierikzee in the Zeeland province of the Netherlands. The work showcases the city's oval-shaped layout protected by a circuit of walls, bastions, and a wide moat. Within the urban fabric, the massive truncated profile of the Sint-Lievensmonstertoren is clearly visible alongside the Great Church, set against a dense grid of houses and gardens. In the lower right foreground, an allegorical figure of a woman leans against a stone pedestal bearing the city's name, accompanied by a small cherub. Above, the city's coat of arms, featuring a lion rampant, is supported by two seafaring figures. This work is a primary component of the Nieuwe Cronyk van Zeeland, a seminal historical and geographical record of the region's urban development during the late seventeenth century.

Mattheus Smallegange was a Dutch historian, genealogist, and translator primarily remembered for his monumental contribution to the historiography of the Zeeland province. His masterwork, the Nieuwe Cronyk van Zeeland, remains a definitive reference for the topography and history of the area, containing hundreds of detailed maps and city views. Smallegange spent decades compiling genealogical data and architectural records, collaborating with skilled engravers to create a lasting visual and written record of his homeland. His meticulous approach to documenting local history and civic identity ensured that his works remained essential resources for scholars and collectors interested in the Dutch Golden Age.

Artist or Maker: Mattheus Smallegange.

Dimensions: Approximately 41 cm x 38 cm.

Medium: Engraving.

Date: 1696.

Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.