Israel, Palestine, Jerusalem, 50 inch/1.27 meter C. de Bruyn, 1698, Ierusalem

Very large (over 1,25 meter, close to 50 inch!) 17th century copper engraving with a beautiful panoramic view of Jerusalem, seen from the Mount of Olives.

Arab horsemen, loungers, and a hunting dog roam in the foreground. This view was most likely rendered in secret during de Bruijin’s second world tour. The Holy Land was then under the control of the Ottoman Empire who imposed strict limitations on pilgrims and tourist from Europe. It is highly unlikely that de Bruijin would have been allowed to make sketches of the region openly.

Printed from several copper plates on different sheets, joined, as issued.

The engraving was made by C. de Bruyn for his book ´Reizen van Cornelis de Bruyn door de vermaardste deelen van Klein Asia…´, 1698, Delft (Netherlands).

In this book he describes in great detail a voyage of several years through the Ottoman Empire, mainly through modern day Turkey, Egypt, Cyprus, Israel and Lebanon.

Very good condition. Thick paper with clear print. Slight browning and some small repairs in the margins, not at all affecting the image. Otherwise excellent. Very decorative and impressive engraving.

Image 10.9x48 inch (!) (28x124cm),
sheet 13.1x49.9 inch (33,5x127cm)