Guicciardini, Historic Franeker, a Scholars City — Frisian City View, 1613

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Franicker — View of Franeker, Friesland, Dutch City Engraving, Guicciardini 1613

This rare early-17th-century city view depicts the town of … Read more Franicker — View of Franeker, Friesland, Dutch City Engraving, Guicciardini 1613

This rare early-17th-century city view depicts the town of Franeker (Franicker) in Friesland, shown across its surrounding flat polder landscape with fields, grazing animals, roads, and figures leading the eye toward the fortified skyline. Church towers, windmills, and city gates define the horizon, while everyday rural activity unfolds in the foreground, creating a balanced and quietly animated composition typical of early Dutch topographical prints. The print originates from the scarce French edition of de touts les Pays-Bas, published in 1613 and based on the celebrated chorographical work by Lodovico Guicciardini. Guicciardini’s s of the Low Countries were among the most influential geographical and cultural surveys of the region in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, valued for their combination of historical insight, political observation, and detailed urban imagery. City views such as this were intended to document civic identity and regional importance while also appealing visually to scholars, officials, and collectors. The engraving was executed by Pieter van den Keere, also known as Petrus Kaerius, one of the most skilled Flemish engravers of his generation. Van den Keere was renowned for his precise line work and clarity of composition, qualities clearly visible here in the clean architectural outlines, structured fields, and carefully articulated figures. His work played an important role in shaping the visual language of early modern maps and city views. Franeker held particular significance in this period as a Frisian intellectual center, home to the University of Franeker, founded in 1585, which attracted scholars from across the Dutch Republic and beyond. As such, this view represents not only a geographic location but also a place of learning and civic pride within the early Dutch state. Today, this engraving is sought after by collectors of Dutch city views, early Low Countries history, and Guicciardini material. Its calm, graphic quality and wide landscape format make it highly suitable for interior display, either as a standalone historical statement or as part of a curated wall of early European town views. Condition report: Good condition for its age. General age-related toning and scattered foxing, with light surface wear and minor edge handling. No major losses. Please study the image carefully. Framing tips: A natural oak, light walnut, or restrained black frame complements the early graphic style. An off-white or lightly toned mat enhances contrast and preserves the period character. Technique: Engraving on paper Maker: Pieter van den Keere after Lodovico Guicciardini, published in the French edition, 1613 See less