Mallet, Ardabil Persia City View, 1683, Engraving

Details

Description

Antique Ardabil Persia City View, Mallet Engraving, Hand Colored, 1683 A charming and highly decorative 17th-century bird’s-eye view of the … Read more Antique Ardabil Persia City View, Mallet Engraving, Hand Colored, 1683 A charming and highly decorative 17th-century bird’s-eye view of the Persian city of Ardabil (Ardeuil ou Ardebil), engraved by Alain Manesson Mallet and published in Paris circa 1683 as part of his celebrated work de l’Univers. This engraving represents one of the earliest European visual interpretations of cities in Persia, combining geographical curiosity with a refined decorative aesthetic. The composition presents a stylized panoramic view of Ardabil, set within a softly rolling landscape. The city is depicted with remarkable clarity, showing its walls, streets, and clusters of buildings rendered in a compact and rhythmic layout. Architectural forms are highlighted with delicate hand coloring, particularly the warm red rooftops that contrast beautifully with the pale green surroundings and soft tonal sky above. A winding road leads the viewer’s eye into the city, creating depth and a sense of approach, while small foreground elements—trees, water, and terrain—add to the picturesque quality of the scene. Above the city, a decorative banner bearing the title floats within a finely engraved sky, a typical feature of Mallet’s work that enhances both the elegance and narrative character of the image. The engraving reflects the European fascination with distant lands during the late 17th century, when such prints served as both educational tools and objects of curiosity for collectors and scholars. Mallet’s de l’Univers is regarded as one of the most ambitious illustrated works of its time, offering a visual encyclopedia of the known world. Plates such as this are valued today not only for their historical importance but also for their decorative appeal, particularly when presented in refined interior settings. This piece is especially suitable for collectors of early cartography, Middle Eastern views, and decorative antique prints, and works beautifully as part of a curated wall arrangement. Condition: Good condition with age-related toning and light surface wear. Minor soiling and faint discoloration visible in the margins, consistent with age. Plate mark visible. Overall a well-preserved and attractive impression with strong original hand coloring. Framing tips: Best presented in a dark walnut or black frame with a wide ivory or warm off-white mat. For a more atmospheric effect, this print works exceptionally well in a warm, Middle Eastern-inspired interior with soft lighting and textured walls, enhancing the tonal depth and historic character. Technique: Copper engraving with original hand coloring Maker: Alain Manesson Mallet, Paris, circa 1683 See less