Belgium - Flanders (city of Tournai) and Northern France (city of Bergues).; Matthäus Merian (1593–1650) - TORNICK. / WINOXBERGEN. - 1651-1660

Matthäus Merian’s work from 1651-1660 depicts the cities of Tournai in Flanders and Bergues in Northern France, historically significant urban centers with deep medieval and Renaissance roots. Merian, renowned for his detailed engravings and cityscapes, captured these locales with precision and artistry, offering viewers a bird’s-eye or panoramic view that conveys both the architectural and geographic context of the time. Tournai, one of Belgium’s oldest cities, is known for its Romanesque cathedral and rich cultural history, while Bergues, a fortified town near the French coast, had strategic military importance. Maps and engravings like these serve as historical records of urban development, fortifications, and the blending of cultural influences across the Belgian-French border during the mid-17th century.