[Bird’s Eye View of Amsterdam]

20th century reproduction of the first printed map of Amsterdam

This magnificent 12-sheet bird’s eye view of Amsterdam was originally published by Cornelis Anthoniz in 1544 and shows the earliest printed image of the city. This particular example is a later reproduction, issued on fine paper during the 20th century – probably sometime in the 1970s. From Daniel Crouch’s description of the original:

“Cornelis Anthonisz (1499-c1557) was a distinguished cartographer and painter, and official topographical artist to the Holy Roman Emperor. In 1538 he made a painting of Amsterdam, which he published in 1544, with his monogram and date visible under the letterpress text. It is a bird’s eye view taken from an imaginary vantage point over the harbor, looking southwards. Anthonisz’ depiction was the source for plans of the city for the next seventy years, while his original blocks remained in circulation for over 110 years; all printings are rare: no example of the original printing of 1544 can currently be located…

This printing faithfully captures Amsterdam as it was in 1544, before the construction of the outer ring of canals, and celebrates the city’s proud maritime heritage, the title supported by a large figure of Poseidon and the foreground dominated by all manner of shipping. The map shows the city of Amsterdam in the early decades of the sixteenth century, facing south, before the construction of the semi-circular ring of canals. It is bordered by the IJ, the Singel, a stretch of river Amstel, in the west and the Kloveniersburgwal and Gelderse Kade in the east. The waterway in the middle is labelled here ​“Den Amstel” in the South and ​“Damrack” in the North.

The map as such does not only give an impressive view of the topography of the city and its canals and buildings, but it abounds in detail to represent a thriving commercial hub that owes its tremendous wealth to merchants and seafarers, as can be concluded from the number of ships approaching and leaving the port and canals.”

Source: Daniel Crouch Rare Books