The "Malerischer Plan von Frankfurt am Main," (translated as "Picturesque plan of Frankfurt am Main" is an over-size original vintage reproduction of the 'birds-eye-view' map of Frankfurt from 1864, originaly designed by Friedrich Willhelm Delkeskamp. It is an extraordinary piece of cartographic art and cultural heritage, originally crafted during a period when urban growth and modernisation were reshaping European cities. This map captures the essence of Frankfurt of the 19th century through it's meticulous attention to detail—showcasing every house, tree, and garden—offers a vivid snapshot of the Frankfurt's historical cityscape.
This original view was published in a time when Frankfurt was a hub of trade, finance, and culture within the German Confederation. The city had recently experienced profound changes. The medieval city walls were torn down and replaced by a green belt (the outline of the fortifications is clearly visible on the map) and the city also briefly gained status of the capital of the short-lived German Empire in 1848–49. The map's level of detail suggests its dual purpose: to serve as a practical guide to the city and its surroundings and as a visual celebration of its architectural and urban beauty. The depiction of each house emphasizes the individuality of the buildings, while the surrounding green spaces and meticulously drawn trees reveal the importance of gardens and nature in Frankfurt's urban planning during the mid-19th century.
The original sketch took Delkeskamp six years to complete, and the 10,000 guilders awarded to him by the senate were insufficient to cover the costs.
A renowned German artist, scientist and cartographer, was celebrated for his innovative and highly detailed panoramic maps that brought cities and landscapes to life. Born into a bookbinding family, he initially trained in his father’s trade before pursuing his passion for art following his mother’s death. His career spanned diverse creative endeavors, including copperplate engravings, porcelain painting, and illustrating travelogues, with a notable early commission translating Oriental travel paintings into engravings. Among his renowned works was the famous Rhine panorama from Mainz to Cologne (1825), a beautifully detailed depiction that served the growing demand for orientation illustrations among travelers exploring the picturesque Rhine Valley. Delkeskamp is also best known for his detailed bird’s-eye view panoramas, such as his 12-year endeavor on the Swiss Alps. His last major work was the Picturesque Plan of Frankfurt am Main and its Immediate Surroundings.
Four segments mounted on linen, attached to wooden bars and rolled like a traditional school map. The map is slightly torn along the top and bottom right attachment point.
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