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Description of the city of Delft, by Dirck can Bleyswijck - ILLUSTRATED, 1667

About the Item

A very good copy of Bleyswijck famous description of the history, topography, institutions, and commercial life of Delft in the 17th Century. The plates are exquisite depiction's of Delft and its environs, with very close attention given to architectural styles and detailing, to costumes, human activities, and means of transport. Several pages are dedicated to the ruins of the Abbey of Koningsveld and the Cartesian Monastery. This is also one of the few surviving documents that link Jan Vermeer's name with his profession. In the text he is mentioned twice: on page 859 he is included, along with his birth year 1632, in a list of eminent Delft painters who were still alive at the time the book was being written; the second in the a poem of eight stanzas written by Arnold Bon and composed in honor of the famous painter Carrel Fabritius who had died in the infamous munitions explosion of Delft in October 1654. The last stanza reads "Thus did this Phoenix, to our loss, expire, In the midst and at the height of his powers, But happily there arose out of the fire VERMEER, who masterfully trod in his path." (pp. 853-854). Dirck Evertsz van Bleyswijck (1639 – 1681) was born into a prominent family. He was a sheriff, orphan master, burgomaster, and is known to have traveled extensively throughout the 17 Provinces. At the time the Beschryvinge der Stadt Delft was published, Van Bleyswijck was only twenty-seven years old. While he had wished to undertake a tour of the Netherlands, France and Italy, he fell ill and decided to take advantage of his condition to explore the history of his hometown and write this extensive work, which is full of details about the appearance, life, and inhabitants of his beloved city. 2 parts in one volume, 4o, 7 1/2 x 6 inches (190 x 152 mm); 891,(37),(33), (4) pp., lacks frontispiece, 1 folding plan and 2 views. Woodblock plates after C. Decker: 2 double-page plans, 30 views, 3 of which are folding and exhibit some tears, most of which are repaired (7 cm closed tear at p. 220 not repaired); title page re-attached. Later owner's entry on upper pastedown; occasional foxing, and some toning on the verso of one plate. Contemporary half calf binding; spine with raised bands, simple gilt decorations in compartments and gilt title. Paper over-covers partly worn off; remnants of tickets on both covers; firmly bound. CONDITION: Very good Dutch title: Beschryvinge Der Stadt Delft Betreffende des selfts Situatie Oorsprong en Ouderdom Opkonst en Voortgangh vermcerdering van Vryheydt en Jurisdictie Domeynen en Heerlijckleden. Voor-af met een Korte Beschrijvinge von Delflandt English translation of title: Description of the city of Delft, concerning its own Situation, Origin and Age, Rise and Progress, increase of Freedom and Jurisdiction, Domains and Lordships, with a short description of the region.

Dimensions:

Height: 7.5 in (19.05 cm)Width: 6 in (15.24 cm)Depth: 2.5 in (6.35 cm)

Materials and Techniques:

Gold Leaf,Leather,Paper

Place of Origin:

Netherlands

Period:

Mid-17th Century

Date of Manufacture:

1667

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use.