POLAND - CRAKOW - RARE AND EXCEPTIONAL PANORAMIC... Lot 20

POLAND - CRAKOW - RARE AND EXCEPTIONAL PANORAMIC VIEW of CRAKOW - XVIIth century. Panorama in 4 plates, engraved with etching and burin. Proofs on laid paper. Bearing the following handwritten annotation in brown ink in the central cartouche "Cracow - Cracow". Small margins. This extremely rare panoramic view of Krakow is a true testimony of the importance of this city in the 17th century as a royal residence, episcopal see and university town. This anonymous engraved composition, invaluable as an iconographic source and of such artistic importance because of its precision and detail, was inspired by the famous view engraved by Matthüs Merian in 1619. Very rare (no copy has been sold in the last 20 years, the National Museum in Krakow does not seem to keep one either). Approximately 40.5 x 212 cm. A/B condition (a few wormholes at the foot of the view, a print crease at the bottom right for the 3rd leaf, a short tear in the lower margin reaching a little to the subject for the 2nd leaf, rare small creases, otherwise good condition).