1700 – J. Stridbeck – Riga

Title:                      RIGA .
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Description:

This decorative view of Riga, the capital of Swedish Livonia, was engraved and published by Johann Stridbeck the Younger in Augsburg around 1700. Large garlands of laurel, ribbons and horns of plenty fill the sky around an empty oval medallion meant for a coat of arms, and the whole is set in an ornamental border.

The city is seen across the Daugava (“Der Duna Flus”), with sailing ships and boats on the river, and the title “RIGA” appears on a fluttering banner. A key identifies five places:

1. the new Swedish citadel (“Neue Cittadell”)
2. the Royal Castle (“Das Königl. Schloss”)
3. St James (“S. Iacobi”)
4. the Cathedral (“Der Dom”)
5. St Peter (“S. Petri”)

St George’s Hospital stands on the hill at the left.

The print shows Riga at the very end of Swedish rule, just before the Great Northern War, when Saxon, Polish and finally Russian armies besieged the city.

Cartographer/Artist:      Johann Stridbeck the Younger (1665–1714)

Publisher:                            Johann Stridbeck, Augsburg

Atlas:                                     Stridbeck’s series of European town views; first state, before the 1710 text and the plate number
Frame size:                           31,5 x 27,0 cm
Year:                                        1700
Technique:                            copper engraving

 

Condition:
Very good. Strong, dark impression. The paper is lightly toned, with a small brown spot near the key. It is framed under a cream mount in a light wood frame, behind glass.

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This is an original antique map published in 1700 and NOT a modern copy or reprint