C1650 Copperplate Engraving of Venice by Joan Blaeu

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This 17th-century hand-colored copperplate engraving, titled “Venetia,” presents an exquisite aerial view of Venice as it appeared in the late … Read more This 17th-century hand-colored copperplate engraving, titled “Venetia,” presents an exquisite aerial view of Venice as it appeared in the late 16th century. Originally drawn by renowned cartographer and artist Georg Hoefnagel and later published by Joan Blaeu in Amsterdam, it showcases the intricate network of canals, architecture, and surrounding islands of the Venetian Lagoon. The richly detailed scene highlights landmarks such as the Doge’s Palace, Piazza San Marco, and the Grand Canal bustling with ships, with colors likely applied shortly after printing. Inscriptions along the lower margin credit Hoefnagel as the draftsman and Blaeu as the publisher, situating the work within Blaeu’s celebrated atlas tradition. Produced circa 1640–1650, this engraving stands as a remarkable visual record of one of Europe’s most iconic cities.

24.625in tall; 38.75in wide; 1in deep See less