276 - Matthäus Merian - Two small bridges in Waldtal

Matthäus Merian - Two small bridges in Waldtal Description: Zwei Brücklein in Waldtal mit Wegkreuz. This is an early impression of the first state of two, before any number or letter, and still with square plate borders. (Wüttrich: Basler Zeit 1620/1624, Unbezeichnete Baumreiche Gegegenden 546-563). This print dates from the first half of Merian his career, in his twenties . Matthäus Merian I (1593-1650), born in Basel, Switzerland moved to Oppenheim in 1617 and when the city of Oppenheim was destroyed in 1620 by fire during the Spanish occupation he moved back to Basel. Merian married the daughter of Theodor de Bry in 1617 and worked for his father-in-law. In his early works, he showed a great talent for free landscape etching after his own designs, close to his contemporains Jan van de Velde and other fine Dutch landscape artist. His landscape art from that period deserves more attention and appreciation as it is far more interesting than his later. Dimensions: 12,00 x 15,90 cm Condition: Very good impression of the first state in good condition; with margins on laid paper tipped with corners on a support sheet. Condition is good. The right side is remarginned. Rare in this very early impression of an exceptional printing quality. Literature: Wüthrich 1966-1996 (Merian) - 560, I / II. Medium: Etching Date: 1620-1624