“Panoramic View of Zürich, 1576” (after Jos Murer & Christoph Froschauer), printed by H. Krätz, Graphische Anstalt Zürich, early 20th century, 28 × 22 in., antique etching reproduction, unsigned as issued.
An impressive antique etching of Zürich based on the iconic 1576 city view by Jos Murer and master printer Christoph Froschauer—one of the most important early mapmakers and publishers in Swiss Renaissance history. This finely detailed 28×22 historic reproduction, printed by H. Krätz of Zürich, showcases the medieval walled city, the Limmat River, towers, bridges, and architectural landmarks with extraordinary accuracy. A perfect acquisition for collectors of antique maps, European city views, Swiss history, and historical printmaking.
Artwork Description
This detailed etching presents a sweeping bird’s-eye Renaissance view of Zürich, adapted from the celebrated 1576 woodcut panorama originally created by cartographer and artist Jos Murer and published by the renowned Zürich printmaking dynasty headed by Christoph Froschauer.
Composition & Visual Features
The print depicts:
The walled medieval city in full detail
Defensive towers and city gates
The Limmat River with historic bridges
Churches including the Grossmünster and Fraumünster
Rolling countryside surrounding Zürich
Boats, farmlands, and 16th-century infrastructure
The bottom caption reads (modernized transcription):
“Der wailen wolbekannten Statt Zürich gestalt und gelegenheit, wie sich zu dieser Zeit im wahren, offenbar, und in grund gelegt durch Jos Murer und durch Christoffel Froschouer zu Ehren dem Vaterland getruckt / Im M. D. LXXVI Jar.”
Translation:
"The appearance and situation of the well-known city of Zurich, as it stands truthfully and clearly laid out at this time, created by Jos Murer and printed by Christoph Froschauer in honor of the fatherland in the year 1576."
Technique
Etching reproduction of the original 1576 woodcut
Crisp black linework, faithful to Renaissance printing conventions
Issued on cream-colored, age-toned paper with deckled edges and natural wear
Printed by H. Krätz, Graphische Anstalt Zürich, noted at lower margin
Style & Period
Renaissance cartographic–pictorial style
Highly detailed “city portrait” used historically for civic pride and early mapmaking
This example is a 20th-century scholarly reproduction, not a modern printout; paper weight, aging, and the Swiss printing house attribution confirm pre-digital production.
80-100 years old
Inspiration & Historical Context
The original 1576 Zürich view is one of the most important surviving images of the city before industrialization. Jos Murer’s panoramic surveys were central to early Swiss cartography. Froschauer’s printshop, founded by his uncle of the same name, was among the most influential presses in Reformation-era Europe, printing works for Zwingli, Luther, and leading Renaissance scholars.
This reproduction served educational, civic, and decorative purposes and was likely sold through Swiss cultural institutions or academic publishers.
Biography (Jos Murer & Christoph Froschauer)
(Not based on the reproduction’s printer—biography corresponds to the original creators named in the text.)
Jos (Jost) Murer (1530–1580) – Swiss Artist, Cartographer, Writer
Born: 1530, Zürich, Switzerland
Died: 1580, Zürich
Jos Murer was an influential Swiss Renaissance polymath, known for:
He studied in Zürich and became deeply connected to the intellectual and artistic circles fostered by the Swiss Reformation. Murer collaborated with Zürich’s most important printers, including the Froschauer family, producing maps and illustrations that remain essential historical documents of Swiss urban geography.
His 1576 Zürich panorama is widely regarded as his masterwork, notable for:
Extraordinary architectural accuracy
Early cartographic precision
Decorative Renaissance engraving style
His works appear in major European collections, including the Swiss National Museum and Zürich City Archives.
Christoph Froschauer (ca. 1490–1564) & Christoph Froschauer the Younger (1532–1585) – Zürich Printers
The name Christoffel Froschouer in the inscription refers to the Froschauer printing house, likely under Christoph Froschauer the Younger, as he was active during the creation of the 1576 print.
The Froschauer press:
Was Zürich’s most important Renaissance printshop
Published Reformation texts, maps, scientific works, and illustrated books
Printed works for Zwingli and major humanists
Played a central role in Swiss cultural identity
Their city views are among the most collectible early European urban illustrations.
After Jos Murer & Christoph Froschauer, “Panoramic View of Zürich, 1576,” early 20th-century etching reproduction, printed by H. Krätz, Graphische Anstalt Zürich, 28 × 22 in., unframed. Historic Swiss city view with exceptional architectural detail.
CERTIFICATE OF VALUE & AUTHENTICATION
Title: Panoramic View of Zürich, 1576 (After Murer & Froschauer)
Medium: Etching reproduction
Dimensions: 28 × 22 in.
Printer: H. Krätz, Graphische Anstalt Zürich
Date: Early–mid 20th century
Signature: Unsigned, as issued
Condition: Very good antique condition; age-toning, small tears and creases consistent with age
Acquisition: Europe
Authenticity is confirmed by paper type, printed publisher’s mark, and correspondence with known Zürich historical reproductions produced by H. Krätz.
Certified by Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC.
Provenance Chain
Private Collection, Europe
Antique Dealer, Europe
Private Collector, United States
Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC (current owner)
10. SEO Title & Description
SEO Title (100 characters)
Antique Zürich City View Etching | After Murer & Froschauer | 28×22 Swiss Historic Print
SEO Description (400 characters)
Early 20th-century etching after Jos Murer’s 1576 panoramic view of Zürich, printed by H. Krätz, Zürich. A detailed historic Swiss cityscape showing towers, bridges, and Renaissance architecture. Antique condition and ideal for collectors of maps, city views, and European historical prints.
“Panoramic View of Zürich, 1576” (after Jos Murer & Christoph Froschauer), printed by H. Krätz, Graphische Anstalt Zürich, early 20th century, 28 × 22 in., antique etching reproduction, unsigned as issued.
An impressive antique etching of Zürich based on the iconic 1576 city view by Jos Murer and master printer Christoph Froschauer—one of the most important early mapmakers and publishers in Swiss Renaissance history. This finely detailed 28×22 historic reproduction, printed by H. Krätz of Zürich, showcases the medieval walled city, the Limmat River, towers, bridges, and architectural landmarks with extraordinary accuracy. A perfect acquisition for collectors of antique maps, European city views, Swiss history, and historical printmaking.
Artwork Description
This detailed etching presents a sweeping bird’s-eye Renaissance view of Zürich, adapted from the celebrated 1576 woodcut panorama originally created by cartographer and artist Jos Murer and published by the renowned Zürich printmaking dynasty headed by Christoph Froschauer.
Composition & Visual Features
The print depicts:
The walled medieval city in full detail
Defensive towers and city gates
The Limmat River with historic bridges
Churches including the Grossmünster and Fraumünster
Rolling countryside surrounding Zürich
Boats, farmlands, and 16th-century infrastructure
The bottom caption reads (modernized transcription):
“Der wailen wolbekannten Statt Zürich gestalt und gelegenheit, wie sich zu dieser Zeit im wahren, offenbar, und in grund gelegt durch Jos Murer und durch Christoffel Froschouer zu Ehren dem Vaterland getruckt / Im M. D. LXXVI Jar.”
Translation:
"The appearance and situation of the well-known city of Zurich, as it stands truthfully and clearly laid out at this time, created by Jos Murer and printed by Christoph Froschauer in honor of the fatherland in the year 1576."
Technique
Etching reproduction of the original 1576 woodcut
Crisp black linework, faithful to Renaissance printing conventions
Issued on cream-colored, age-toned paper with deckled edges and natural wear
Printed by H. Krätz, Graphische Anstalt Zürich, noted at lower margin
Style & Period
Renaissance cartographic–pictorial style
Highly detailed “city portrait” used historically for civic pride and early mapmaking
This example is a 20th-century scholarly reproduction, not a modern printout; paper weight, aging, and the Swiss printing house attribution confirm pre-digital production.
80-100 years old
Inspiration & Historical Context
The original 1576 Zürich view is one of the most important surviving images of the city before industrialization. Jos Murer’s panoramic surveys were central to early Swiss cartography. Froschauer’s printshop, founded by his uncle of the same name, was among the most influential presses in Reformation-era Europe, printing works for Zwingli, Luther, and leading Renaissance scholars.
This reproduction served educational, civic, and decorative purposes and was likely sold through Swiss cultural institutions or academic publishers.
Biography (Jos Murer & Christoph Froschauer)
(Not based on the reproduction’s printer—biography corresponds to the original creators named in the text.)
Jos (Jost) Murer (1530–1580) – Swiss Artist, Cartographer, Writer
Born: 1530, Zürich, Switzerland
Died: 1580, Zürich
Jos Murer was an influential Swiss Renaissance polymath, known for:
He studied in Zürich and became deeply connected to the intellectual and artistic circles fostered by the Swiss Reformation. Murer collaborated with Zürich’s most important printers, including the Froschauer family, producing maps and illustrations that remain essential historical documents of Swiss urban geography.
His 1576 Zürich panorama is widely regarded as his masterwork, notable for:
Extraordinary architectural accuracy
Early cartographic precision
Decorative Renaissance engraving style
His works appear in major European collections, including the Swiss National Museum and Zürich City Archives.
Christoph Froschauer (ca. 1490–1564) & Christoph Froschauer the Younger (1532–1585) – Zürich Printers
The name Christoffel Froschouer in the inscription refers to the Froschauer printing house, likely under Christoph Froschauer the Younger, as he was active during the creation of the 1576 print.
The Froschauer press:
Was Zürich’s most important Renaissance printshop
Published Reformation texts, maps, scientific works, and illustrated books
Printed works for Zwingli and major humanists
Played a central role in Swiss cultural identity
Their city views are among the most collectible early European urban illustrations.
After Jos Murer & Christoph Froschauer, “Panoramic View of Zürich, 1576,” early 20th-century etching reproduction, printed by H. Krätz, Graphische Anstalt Zürich, 28 × 22 in., unframed. Historic Swiss city view with exceptional architectural detail.
CERTIFICATE OF VALUE & AUTHENTICATION
Title: Panoramic View of Zürich, 1576 (After Murer & Froschauer)
Medium: Etching reproduction
Dimensions: 28 × 22 in.
Printer: H. Krätz, Graphische Anstalt Zürich
Date: Early–mid 20th century
Signature: Unsigned, as issued
Condition: Very good antique condition; age-toning, small tears and creases consistent with age
Acquisition: Europe
Authenticity is confirmed by paper type, printed publisher’s mark, and correspondence with known Zürich historical reproductions produced by H. Krätz.
Certified by Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC.
Provenance Chain
Private Collection, Europe
Antique Dealer, Europe
Private Collector, United States
Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC (current owner)
10. SEO Title & Description
SEO Title (100 characters)
Antique Zürich City View Etching | After Murer & Froschauer | 28×22 Swiss Historic Print
SEO Description (400 characters)
Early 20th-century etching after Jos Murer’s 1576 panoramic view of Zürich, printed by H. Krätz, Zürich. A detailed historic Swiss cityscape showing towers, bridges, and Renaissance architecture. Antique condition and ideal for collectors of maps, city views, and European historical prints.
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