Coenraet Decker, “De Stadt Delphus: Tempel van Apollo”, 1685

Coenraet Decker (also known as Conraad Decker) (circa 1650–1685)—a master engraver of the Dutch Golden Age active in Amsterdam

“De Stadt Delphus: Tempel van Apollo” (The City of Delphi: Temple of Apollo), 1685

Description & Historical Context

This exceptional and rare 17th-century engraving presents a creatively inventive, idealised panoramic view of ancient Delphi (De Stadt Delphus) in Greece, celebrated throughout antiquity as the home of the legendary Oracle and the Temple of Apollo.

Published as a gatefold illustration in Amsterdam in 1685 by Timotheus ten Hoorn (1677–1710) for Joannes Aysma’s (1636–1693) monumental work, “Spiegel der Sibyllen” (Mirror of the Sibyls), this engraving features an alphabetical, lettered legend (A through H) pinpointing key mythological and geographical sites—including Mount Parnassus, the Pythia seated on her golden tripod, and the arrival of the oracle-seekers.

An online digitised version of this exact print in its original publication context can be explored via Archive.org. Please note that the Archive has misattributed the publication to Johann Amos Comenius due to a metadata error caused by the author’s identical initials, “J.A.” on the title page: https://archive.org/details/ned-kbn-all-00004030-001/page/n780/mode/2up.

Technical Details & Condition:

The print is in excellent antique condition given its age of over 340 years. The impression is richly inked, crisp, and evenly printed, with original publication gatefold creases professionally flattened. Aside from a small, expertly replenished loss in the left margin (safely away from the image border), the sheet shows no major tears or staining. To ensure long-term preservation, the sheet has been professionally stabilised and backed with a supportive, archival-quality washi paper sheet.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 19.6 x 30.6 cm
• Platemark (trimmed along the top edge): 17.8? x 30.3 cm 
• Image borderline: 16.4 x 29.1 cm

In-Plate Lettering:

• Upper left: “De Stadt DELPHUS.”
• Upper right: “Pag: 669.” (Original bookbinder's placement instruction)
• Lower right within the image: “C Decker sculp et fec”
• Lower left and right columns below the image: (Legend A–H). Features a Dutch guide to key locations, including “A Den Berg Parnassus,” “D Pythia de Priesterin Sittende op de Goude Drie-voet,” and “G Sibylla Delphica Predikt.”
• Lower centre below the image: “TEMPEL van APPOLO”

References:

• Hollstein Vol. V, p. 138–142 (Decker: Book Illustrations); listed contextually under Joannes Aysma’s Spiegel der Sibyllen (1685)

Price & Shipping:

AU$294 (Approximately US$208.35 / €180.03 / £153.96 — subject to daily currency fluctuations), including worldwide express shipping. Import duties and taxes are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you are interested in acquiring this rare, beautifully preserved window into 17th-century classical cartography and mythology, please contact me directly at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. A secure PayPal invoice will be provided for a smooth, fully protected transaction.