Merian’s Map of Baden

Copper engraving, 27.5 x 35 cm, black and white, printer’s crease running across the upper part of the legend, blank verso. A map of Baden in Switzerland, published by Merian and his heirs in various works, including the Archontologia cosmica, Theatrum Europaeum and the Topographia Germaniae. Merian was born in Basel, but he learned his trade working for Johann Theodor de Bry in Frankfurt, and married de Bry’s daughter. His own business flourished: talented engravers who worked with him include Wenceslaus Hollar. After his death in 1650 the firm passed through three generations of his family.