Valenciennes in northern France, original antique 16th century map by Guicciardini 1588
Title: Valencena quondam cygnorum vallis vrbs Han perelegans et valde magnifica. (Valencena was once the valley of the swans and was very magnificent)
Description: Engraved hand colored town plan of Valenciennes in northern France, original antique 16th century map full of details. The map show the fortifield city during the early 16th century, including its streets, buildings, fortifications, and surrounding landscape. Valenciennes historically known for its significance in the textile industry during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. It was also a part of the Spanish Netherlands during the 16th century, in Guicciardini's work.
Guicciardini is known for his work in compiling detailed maps and descriptions of various regions in Europe. Lodovico Guicciardini's map "Valencena quondam cygnorum vallis vrbs Han perelegans et valde magnifica" was published in his work "Descrittione di tutti i Paesi Bassi" (Description of all the Low Countries). This work, first published in 1567, provides descriptions and maps of the Low Countries, which include present-day Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and parts of northern France and western Germany.
Cartographer: Lodovico Guicciardini (1521-1589) was an Italian historian, writer, and cartographer, who is best known for his work on the history and geography.
The publisher of "Descrittione di tutti i Paesi Bassi" was probably Dominicus de Rubeis (also known as Domenico de' Franceschi), a prominent publisher in Antwerp during the 16th century. De Rubeis was known for his production of maps and geographical works.
This antique plan is highly valued for its historical significance and artistic beauty. It provides a detailed representation of the layout of Valenciennes during the early 16th century.
Size sheet: 15 x 13.25 inches. 38 x 33.5. Image: 12.75 x 9 inches. 32 x 23 cm. Condition Very Good / Exelent • Paper: Bright and clean with no toning and no tears or creases. • Image: Sharp engraved lines with no foxing or discoloration. • Overall: An excellent example of an antique map with exceptional preservation.
