La Ville de Cambray France, Old plan by Guicciardini, Ludovico 1588
Title: La Ville de Cambray.
16th century antique townplan of Cambray (also spelled Cambrai in French) France. The map is copperplate engraved wit hand coloring and full of details.
Cambrai was a significant town in the northern part of France and was known for its Gothic architecture, including the notable Cathedral of Our Lady of Grace, which was built over several centuries and is still a prominent landmark today. The town would have had a rich cultural life with churches, monasteries, and other institutions supporting art, music, and learning. Like much of Europe during this period, Cambray was deeply influenced by the Protestant Reformation and the Catholic Counter-Reformation. The Council of Trent, a significant event in the Catholic Church's response to the Protestant Reformation, had sessions in Cambray in the 16th century. Cambray was often embroiled in military conflicts. It was besieged multiple times during the various wars of the 16th century, including the Italian Wars and the Eighty Years' War. 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 "Canbray" 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 Camray during the early 16th century.
Size sheet: 15 x 13.25 inches. 38 x 33.5. Image: 12.75 x 9 inches. 32 x 24 cm. Condition Very Good. • Paper: Bright and clean with minimal toning and no tears or creases. • Image: Sharp engraved lines with no foxing or discoloration in immage. • Overall: A pleasing example of an antique map with minimal age-related wear.
