Wrocław University Library plays with the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity
Every year the University of Wrocław plays with the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity, and so does our University Library. This time around staff of the Wrocław University Library prepared an unique item for the Allegro auction. This item will certainly be a treat for all the Wrocław enthusiasts but not only! The item in question is a downsized copy of a hand-painted city map of Wrocław: Contrafactur der Stadt Breslau, a facsimile of an original from 1562, made by Barthel Weihner and his son to commemorate the coronation of Maximilian II Habsburg as a king of Bohemia. The original map measures as much as 180 cm by 180 cm and it was lost in 1945. The only remaining reneditions are 19th century lithographic facsimile of the original size and a few copies from a smaller reproduction from 1929.
Map presents a vast city surrounded by rivers and moats within the perpendicular projection of the fortifications of the time. The map is distinguished by an exceptional accuracy, reliability and attention to detail. It is even possible to read the names of the streets and city squares. The urban space is filled with a perspective drawing of several hundred of brick and wooden structures. Many of them are signed, especially structures of religious nature (cathedral, monasteries, churches), administrative and public (city hall, barracks, hospitals, prison).
-The original version, which was lost in 1945, measured 180 cm by 180 cm. It means that it was enormous. So that is why we decided to prepare a downsized version that measures 50 cm by 50 cm. Because of this, the copy can be hung above bed or in a special place in a guest room, where everyone who visits will be able to marvel at it – mentions the staff of Wrocław University Library and the auction’s originators.
Once upon a time a part of a collection of Wrocław University Library, the original was lost in 1945 and the Weihner plan is now available in the form of perfectly preserved lithographic facsimile of the original size made in 19th century and a few copies from a smaller reproduction from 1929.
If you would like to travel with a finger through the modern map of Wrocław, do not wait and join the auction right now!
ALLEGRO AUCTION OF WROCŁAW UNIVERSITY LIBRARY CAN BE FOUND HERE.
Join us!
Translated by Adrian Błoniewski (student of English Studies at the University of Wrocław) as part of the translation practice.
