[Framed Copper Engraving] Crembs

Augsburg: Grossmann, Carl August, 1780. Very Good. This is a high quality eighteenth century re-strike of the original seventeenth century engraving by Merian. The only difference with the Merian version, as far as we can discern, is the discreet addition of Grossmann's name in the lower right. The city of Crembs is spelled nowadays as Krems, and it is a popular tourist attraction on the Danube about 80 km, or 50 miles, to the northwest of Vienna -- or an hour by train. As a well-preserved Medieval city, the Krems of today retains a good deal of the appearance captured in the print. N.d., circa 1780. (The original version is circa 1650.) The visible portion of the print is 18.5 by 33 cm. The simple painted black frame is 37 by 47 cm. We could find no other copies of the Grossmann Crembs print, and the original Merian is also scarce, although there are known copies. The wide matting is a manila color with age toning that essentially blends with the original color. However, there is a large albeit light damptstain in the upper left portion of the matting. Perhaps this can be cleaned, but one might just as well replace the matting, which isn't exciting regardless, even if one wishes to hold onto the frame. There are a few light small fox marks on the print proper. Given how inconspicuous these are, we would say that the print reads as clean, and is easily in Very Good or better condition, as is the whole package.