Cherbourg – Antique Hand-Coloured French Coastal Town Engraving (1666)

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Cherbourg – Antique Hand-Coloured French Coastal Town Engraving (1666)

This 17th-century copper engraving presents a finely detailed early plan of Cherbourg, published in Antwerp in 1666 for the atlas associated with the Fransche Merkurius. Shown from an elevated bird’s-eye perspective, the fortified port town is depicted with its protective walls, harbour entrance, clustered houses, surrounding fields and farmland, and several sailing ships positioned in the Channel. The engraving is enriched with period hand-colouring in soft greens, blues and reds, typical of Flemish workshop colouring of this era.

Mid-17th-century town plans from the Fransche Merkurius are prized for their compact format, clarity of engraving and vivid historical subject matter. Cherbourg, an important harbour in Normandy with medieval defensive structures, appears here in its early modern form before later expansions. The engraving is a desirable piece for collectors of Normandy views, French coastal history, and early cartographic town plans. The wide margins and strong impression give it good decorative presence.

Condition report:
Fair to good condition. The image area is well preserved with bright hand-colouring. Noticeable foxing and age-toning in the margins, typical for 17th-century laid paper. No tears or losses affecting the image. Plate impression clear. Paper stable.

Framing tips:
A simple natural oak or walnut frame pairs well with the soft hand-colouring. A cream or light ivory mat helps minimise the visual impact of the marginal foxing and draws focus to the town plan. For a more contemporary look, a thin black frame with a wide white mat provides strong contrast.

Technique: Hand-coloured copper engraving
Maker: Published in Antwerp for Fransche Merkurius, 1666