Bilder Cornelis de Bruyn (1652–1727) – Views of Nizhny Novgorod, Sviyazhsk, Kazan, and Samara – Russia – Engraving (1711)

Beskrivning

"Niesna. Swyatski. Casan. Samara." features four distinct topographical views of important cities along the Volga River in Russia. Each vignette captures a waterfront perspective showing city skylines characterized by orthodox church domes and fortifications, with various river vessels navigating in the foreground. This copper engraving is from the work Reizen over Moskovie, door Persie en Indie, published in Amsterdam by Willem and David Goeree in 1711. The work represents a vital record of the Russian interior during the reign of Peter the Great, offering the Western European public rare visual documentation of these strategic regional centers.

Cornelis de Bruyn was a Dutch painter and traveler who spent several years exploring the Russian Empire and the Middle East to document their geography and culture. He is celebrated for his commitment to drawing from direct observation, ensuring his illustrations were more accurate than many contemporary accounts based on hearsay. De Bruyn’s journals were among the first to provide detailed and authentic views of the Volga region to an international audience. His legacy is defined by his contribution to early modern travel literature and his role in bridging the geographical knowledge between the East and West.

Artist or Maker:
Cornelis de Bruyn.

Dimensions:
Approximately 48 cm x 40 cm.

Medium:
Engraving.

Date:
1711.

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.