NARVA ESTONIA IVANGOROD RUSSIA 1720 BODENEHR ANTIQUE COPPER ENGRAVED CITY MAP

Narva und Ivanogrod.

Description: Striking and highly detailed fine unusual 1720 Gabriel Bodenehr's copper engraved map featuring a geometric plan of the fortifications of Narva, Estonia, along the river and the nearby outpost of Ivangorod on the opposite bank. 

Composition and Medium:

The map is an intricately engraved illustration, showcasing the fortified town of Narva and the neighboring fortress of Ivangorod. The medium used is likely a copperplate engraving, a common technique in the 18th century for creating detailed and precise maps. The illustration features a combination of topographical details and architectural fortifications, highlighted in a monochrome palette typical of the period.

Style:

Bodenehr's style is methodical and precise, reflecting the cartographic standards of the early 18th century. The map includes detailed depictions of military fortifications, characterized by star-shaped bastions and thick wall lines, indicative of the trace italienne style of fortification. This style was prevalent in European military architecture, designed to withstand artillery attacks.

Subject Matter:

The map focuses on the town of Narva in Estonia and the fortress of Ivangorod in Russia, strategically located on opposite banks of the Narva River. The map emphasizes military aspects, highlighting fortifications, key defensive structures, and the layout of the surrounding landscape. The depiction includes the river, fort walls, and the geographic features that would have been critical for defense and military operations.

Notable Features:

- Fortifications: The star-shaped bastions and defensive walls are prominently detailed, showcasing the advanced military engineering of the time.
- Inscription: The map includes notations and possibly a key to important sites, although specific inscriptions are not clearly legible in the image.
- Decorative Elements: The map features ornate cartouches and heraldic symbols, adding an artistic dimension typical of maps from this period.

Source: Force d'Europe, oder die merckwürdigst- und fürnehmste, meistentheils auch ihrer Fortification wegen berühmteste Stætte, Vestungen, Seehæfen, Pæsse, Camps de Bataille, in Europa ... in 200. Grundrissen ... verlegt und heraus gegeben von G. Bodenehr.

Date: 1720 ( undated ) 

Dimensions: Paper size approx.: cm 32 x 20

Conditions: Very strong and dark impression on good paper. Paper with chains. Map uncolored. Wide margins. Small foxing and browning. Conditions are as you can see in the images.

Mapmaker: Gabriel Bodenehr the Elder (ca. 1673-ca. 1766) was a German engraver and publisher. He originated views of many German cities, for example the first plan of Passau (1710), and is best known for his Atlas Curieux (1704). His son, Gabriel the Younger (1705-1779), followed his father in his profession and was also a well-known engraver.