The first state of a magnificent birds-eye panorama of Venice by Jan Jansson in full contemporary wash colour. Taken from the south this perspective beautifully illustrates the city. It is derived from the exceedingly scarce Jacopo de’ Barbari panorama published in 1500. In remarkable detail, it details the network of canals and all the significant buildings including St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the ‘Pont Rialto’, and the Arsenal. It highlights the significance of the Grand Canal weaving through the city and the bustling trade carried out by a city occupying a strategic position in the region. The mainland is in the background along with the various other islands nearby including Murano. The whole is finished with the coat of arms of the Venetian Republic; the Lion of St. Mark along with the Doge’s cap.

It was first published in Jansson’s town book entitled ‘Theatrum Urbium’. In 1653 he acquired the plates to George Braun and Frans Hogenberg’s ‘Civitates Orbis Terrarum’ from Abraham Hogenberg. He reissued those still in decent condition and added several new plates including this one. This plate was re-issued by Frederick de Wit circa 1680 with his imprint added lower left. Cassini (1982) no.43; Koeman (1967-70) Ja 16 no. 48.