Jacob van Meurs, “Isfahan”, c. 1672

Jacob van Meurs (aka Jacob de Meurs) (c. 1618–1679) or an associate printmaker

“Isfahan”, c. 1672, illustration in Olfert Dapper's (1636–1689) “Beschrijving des koningrycks van Persie...” (Description of the kingdom of Persia...), published in Amsterdam by Jacob van Meurs. Archive.org provides an online view of the plate in the featured publication: https://archive.org/details/asiaofnaukeurige00dapp/page/n505/mode/2up.

Engraving on fine laid paper backed with a support sheet.

Size: (sheet) 30.3 x 36.2 cm; (image borderline) 28.8 x 35.8 cm.

Inscribed in plate within the image borderline: (upper left) a legend of portrayed sites lettered alphabetically from “a” to “q”; (upper centre) “ISFAHAN”.

This historically important engraving depicts Isfahan, one of Iran’s major cities. At the time this print was executed, Isfahan was not only the capital of the Safavid Empire (1598 to 1722), but it was also so prosperous and culturally significant that it earned the Persian nickname, "Nesf-e Jahan" (Half of the World).

Condition: a richly inked, well-printed impression. The sheet is trimmed slightly unevenly (possibly as published) and has been archivally laid onto a millennium-quality washi paper support sheet to flatten the published centrefold, ensure stability, and provide wide margins.

Price & Shipping: AU$347 (approx. US$226.90 / €195.18/ £172.26), including worldwide express shipping. Import duties are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you are interested in purchasing this historically important engraving, please contact me directly at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I will happily send you a PayPal invoice to make the payment process easy.