Author: Blaeu-- Joan
Title: Arnhem - Joan Blaeu, 1649
Description: 17TH-CENTURY ARNHEM "Aernhem," copper engraving published by Joan Blaeu as part of his famous "Toonneel der Steden" (townbook), published in 1649 in Amsterdam. Coloured by a later hand. Verso: Latin text. Size: 41 x 52.5 cm. The map was not drawn by Joan Blaeu but by the cartographer Nicolaes van Geelkercken in 1639. Van Geelkercken received the commission for this from the Arnhem city council in 1638. Thus, the map depicts the situation around 1639. Van Geelkercken's design can not only be found in this edition by Blaeu, but also in versions published by Jan Jansson and Frederik de Wit. Blaeu describes the city as follows: Arnhem is the capital of the Veluwe region and the seat of the highest court of the Duchy of Guelders. The city is "powerful, splendid, strong, and wealthy in citizens." The Rhine flows along the city wall, and the air is pleasant due to the surrounding forests. In the nearby area, citizens have delightful gardens and estates. On the Veluwe side, toward Maastricht, outside the city lies a hill, "from which a pleasant view over the nearby lands of the Betuwe presents itself." North of the city are hills and valleys planted with forests and heathlands, where various types of wild game can be hunted. There is also the "Wildhaen", once a hunting ground for the dukes, now "very suitable for a stroll for the citizens." South of the city, across the Rhine, are the beautiful Betuwe fields, where oats, barley, peas, beans, and other grains grow in abundance. Against "external violence," the city has five gates "as strong as castles" (four made of stone). Among these, the Janspoort was built in 1537 by Charles of Guelders, who feared the arrival of Emperor Charles V. With respect to the character of its citizens, Blaeu writes that they are "courteous and lovers of the sciences, with many of noble descent living there." They are also heroic. For example, the people of Arnhem assisted during the siege of Neuss by Charles the Bold and provided aid during the devastating fire in Harderwijk in 1503. The city has a chapter of canons (at the St. Walburgis Church), a Franciscan monastery (the "Broeren Kerk" on the map), and an Agnieten Convent (which transitioned to the St. Catherine's Hospital in 1636). At the Commandery of St. John, the Hospitaller knights reside, who once collected tolls at the Janspoort for goods brought in from the Veluwe, a privilege later bought out by the bishop of Utrecht. In the Sint Eusebius' church with its beautiful tower lies Duke Charles of Guelders, buried "in the inner chamber, made of carved marble." For a beautiful animated film about 17th-century Arnhem, see here. Price: Euro 750,-  

Keywords: Blaeu-- Joan