LA PORTE, Hendrik Bruga Flandrorum urbs et emporium... Lot 608

LA PORTE, Hendrik Bruga Flandrorum urbs et emporium Mercatu celebre. Bruges s.n. [1665] Copper engraving, 43,5 x 56 cm (vertical foldings, central small stain, ms. annotation). Framed. Three interesting views of Bruges, one above the other, presumably made after the construction and opening of the new port, west of the Damme Gate, in 1665. On top: a panoramic view from the Damme Gate with plenty of wind mills and boats anchored at the new Trading Basin referring to the economical prosperity of the city. In the center: a bird's eye view of the northwest of the city and the new harbour basin with the waterways towards Sluis, Damme and Ostend. Beneath: a map of the new canal to Ostend, dug from 1618 onwards. The composition was wrongly attributed to Cornelis van Caukerke who might have been the commissioning party. Without the text beneath which praised the Trading Basin and the connection with Ostend for making the economical revival possible. Ref. Vlaanderen 49 (2000), pp. 169-171.