Subject: Danube River, Austria
Period: 1730 (circa)
Publication:
Color: Hand Color
Size:
22.4 x 19.3 inches
56.9 x 49 cm
Two great views on a single sheet, each depicting various watercraft negotiating the rapids of the Danube. At top, a line of barges is being towed through the Strudel, a narrow channel along Werth island. At bottom is a view of the Werbel, a massive whirlpool just below Werth island. In the foreground, a large crowd of onlookers watch the spectacle. These rapids were a major impediment to navigation on the Danube and also attracted robber-knights who often took advantage of the wrecked boats and barges.
This rare view is copied from a similar engraving by Jansson that was published in his book of town plans, Urbium Totius Germaniae Superioris.
References:
Condition: B+
Contemporary color on watermarked paper with light foxing and a few small stains. There are short centerfold separations confined to the blank margins.