This view of the Bastille in Paris is from the 'Topographia Gallia' by Martin Zeiler published 1655-61. It formed just one volume of the 'Topographiae' series which began in 1642 with a volume on Switzerland and extended to much of Europe. The final work covers Italy in 1688. All of the plates were the work of Matthaus Merian (1593-1650). Born in Basle, Switzerland, he was one of the finest engravers of the seventeenth century. He was renowned for his town plans and views. He married the daughter of Theodore de Bry. The Bastille prison in the background was the scene of one of the best known events of the French Revolution, the storming of the Bastille on 14 July, 1789. Henceforth known as Bastille Day. Shirley (2004) G.Meri 22a.