This rare view of the Stadhuis in Antwerp is the larger copperplate edition found in the French edition of Lodovico Guicciardini's Description de Tout le Pais-Bas... (1568). It depicts this masterwork of Renaissance architecture in lovely detail with figures bustling in the surrounding streets. Construction began on the Stadhuis in 1561 and was finished in 1565. Therefore, this engraving, dated 1565 and published three years later, depicts the building soon after completion. The Stadhuis was destroyed in the Sack of Antwerp (1576) but was reconstructed a few years later. Two elaborate Latin text cartouches surrounded by putti appear above the building. An alternate title runs below the engraved image: Senatui Populoq. Antverpiensi Gulielmus Silvius Gratitudinis Ergo Dedicabat Ano 1565. Printed by Gulielmum Silvium.

References: Shirley (BL Atlases) G.GUIC-1b #7.

Condition: B+

Issued folding, now flat, on a bright sheet. There is a binding trim at lower left that has been professionally replaced with associated 2" and 6" tears that have been expertly closed and barely visible.