This lot contains two small views of the El Escorial, King Phillip II's monastery-palace built in the late 16th century. The massive structure occupies more than 40,000 square feet and has 12,000 windows and doors. Designed by the Spanish architect Juan Bautista de Toledo who had worked in Italy assisting Michelangelo at St. Peter's, it was built to commemorate the king's victory over the French at St. Quentin in 1577. The palace also contains the mausoleum of Philip's father, Charles V.

A. Veue du Derriere de l'Escurial d'un Autre Cote, by Juan Alvarez de Colmenar, circa 1741, black & white (6.2 x 4.8"). Condition: Light toning along the sheet edges.

B. Das Escurial, by Hildburghausen Biblio Institut, circa 1843, hand color (5.5 x 3.8"). Condition: A crisp impression on a bright sheet.

References:

Condition: A

See description above.