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Scenographia Totius Fabricae S. Laurentii in Escoriali - Braun & Hogenberg, 1617.



Antique map - Bird's-eye view of the Escorial by Braun and Hogenberg

CARTOUCHE CENTRE: Panorama of all that has been built in Escorial in honour of St Lawrence.

CARTOUCHE LEFT AND RIGHT: To Philip II, the Catholic King of Spain, etc. [Ode by Michael van der Hagen, praising Philip II as the "defender of religion".]

COMMENTARY BY BRAUN (on verso): "This building, which is almost unique in the whole world, is a monastery inhabited by Hieronymite monks, as well as a royal palace and a hunting lodge, so delightful and beautiful that it is not inferior to the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The monastery's finest gable is on the west side, where it has three gates or doors, of which the middle one is the finest and gives access to the church, the convent and the chapter."

This view from the west of the royal palace of San Lorenzo de El Escorial from a high cavalier perspective is a very accurate and detailed representation. Erected in 1563-1584 in the bleak wastes of the Castilian plateau by the Spanish king Philip II, monastery and palace form a magnificent royal residence. It is a manifestation of the desire to combine the royal court with monkish life. The basilica that rises up in the middle forms a link between the spiritual wing on the right, with cloister and monastery, and the wordly wing on the left, with the palace rooms and the famous art gallery. The private apartments of the king lay directly behind tha apse of the basilica (hidden by the tower). At times a world empire was ruled from the Escorial, and it remained the residence of the kings of Spain up to 1861. (Taschen)

Engraved by Peter Perret, published in Madrid in 1589 after revision drawings by Juan de Herrera.

Copper engraving
Size: 36.5 x 47cm (14.2 x 18.3 inches)
Verso text: Latin
Condition: Excellent, nice old colour.
Condition Rating: A
References: Van der Krogt 4, 1259, State 1; Taschen, Braun and Hogenberg, p. 438.

From: Theatri praecipuarum Totius Mundi Urbium Liber Sextus Anno MDCXVIII. (Van der Krogt 4, 41:1.6)

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Item number: 23409
Price: 620 Euro

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