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Antique maps > europe > Netherlands - Cities > Antique map of Amersfoort by Braun & Hogenberg

Amorfortia Diocesis Ultraiectensis Oppidum amoenitate loci solique fertilitate admodum insigne. - Braun & Hogenberg, 1588-97.



Bird's-eye view plan and view of Amersfoort.

TRANSLATION OF CARTOUCHE TEXT: Amersfoort, a town in the Diocese of Utrecht, highly distinguished by its pleasant location and the fecundity of its soil.

COMMENTARY BY BRAUN: "Amersfoort, which has its name ab amore forti, that is, by steadfast love or concord among its citizens, is a renowned city in the bishopric of Utrecht. [...] Its old ring walls and moats show that it was once quite small, but then grew steadily so that a new town was built around the old one and it thus became greatly expanded."

This plate contains a plan and a view. The first is a bird's-eye plan of the town from the south. Several streams flow into the double canal ring, and the Eem drains away in the northwest. The centre of the town is dominated by the main square with the three-nave Gothic Sint-Joriskerk. To the southwest of it can be seen the spire of the late Gothic Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe-Kerk, which is almost 100 m high. A settlement here is first documented in 1028, and it was granted a municipal charter in 1259; it had flourishing brewing and textile industries and became a member of the Hanseatic League. Because of the expanding population, new fortifications were built between 1450 and 1561, which can be seen here with its many towers and gates, including the Koppelpoort, where the Eem flows out of the town. The second view shows the town from an elevated position in the north. On the right is the Eem, with the Koppel gate in the city, and close to it, rising above the rest, the tower of Our Lady. Left of centre is the Sint-Joriskerk, and Amersfoort Hill can be seen in the background. (Taschen)

Copper engraving
Size: 36 x 37.5cm (14 x 14.5 inches)
Verso text: Latin
Condition: Old coloured, excellent.
Condition Rating: A
References: Taschen, Braun and Hogenberg, p.290.

From: Liber quartus Urbium Praecipuarum totius Mundi. (Koeman, B&H4)

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Item number: 22259
Price: 900 Euro

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