Original 18th-Century Copper Engraving by Abraham Delfos – View of the Academy at Leiden (1763)

A Day in Leiden 260 Years Ago: Coaches, Canals and Authentic Craftsmanship

Take a close look at the lively scenes in this beautiful, hand-coloured copper engraving. You will be instantly transported to 18th-century Leiden. In the foreground, a stately towboat sails along the Rapenburg, while an elegant horse-drawn coach passes by the quay in front of the Academy Building. Pedestrians in historical dress and playing dogs bring the iconic canal to life.

This print has been carefully placed in an atmospheric, warm-toned wooden frame of high quality (measuring 48 cm by 42 cm), with a double mat and subtle gold lining. We have specifically chosen to leave the engraving in this frame. Paper that is centuries old is fragile, and re-framing it would involve unnecessary risks. Furthermore, this historic artwork is ready to take a prominent place in your interior as it is.

If you would like to purchase the print without the frame or see photos of the back, this is possible. On the left, you can see the signature of the artist J.J. Bylaerd, del.  and on the right that of the master engraver A. Delfos, fecit 1763.  At the bottom centre is the proud publishing address of de Wed. A. Honkoop & A. Kallewier, excud.

Historical Context: The Heart of the Netherlands' Oldest University

This engraving takes you back to the year 1763, the heyday of the Enlightenment in the Netherlands. You are looking at the city's absolute showpiece: the Academy Building on the Rapenburg. This is the oldest and most iconic building of Leiden University, which was founded in 1575 by William of Orange as a reward for the city's courageous resistance during the Spanish Siege. 

Originally, this building was a 13th-century Dominican monastery church. After the Reformation, it was officially converted into the 'Academie' in 1581. The print shows the building in its 18th-century glory, including the characteristic spire and the stately windows along the water. This particular engraving was exclusively created in 1763 for the monumental and prestigious book publication “Beschryving der stad Leyden” by Frans van Mieris. A tangible piece of old Dutch academic history for your wall! 

Product Specifications & Condition

• Artist / Engraver: Abraham Delfos (1731 – 1820) after a drawing by Joannis Jacobus Bylaert (1734 – 1809)
• Title on object: “Gezigt op de ACADEMIE, te Leyden.”
• Year: Original edition from 1763
• Technique: Hand-coloured copper engraving on handmade paper
• Dimensions including frame: Width 48 cm | Height 42 cm
• Condition: The engraving is in a beautiful, vibrant antique condition with a sharp impression and lovely, authentic colouring. As is inherent with paper that is over 260 years old, the sheet shows a few small, natural age spots (foxing) . There is a small, darker spot in the paper fibres at the bottom in the canal (see detail photo). We have adjusted the sale price accordingly, making this a fantastic and affordable opportunity to acquire an authentic Delfos. 
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I remove the print from the frame to view the back?
Yes, this is possible. We have deliberately left the print in the frame because it is optimally protected this way, and the print will not be better off if it is repeatedly removed. If you, as the buyer, would like to inspect the print outside the frame for verification purposes, we are happy to accommodate this. We can do this safely in our studio and provide detail photos.

What do the small spots in the paper and the canal section mean?
These are so-called foxing and age spots, caused by the natural action of minerals in the old handmade paper over the centuries. These spots are stable and will not worsen at normal indoor humidity levels. They give the print its authentic, lived-in character and are the ultimate proof for experts that this is a genuine 18th-century edition and not a modern reproduction!

At Antiekhuys.nl you receive:

• 100% Manual selection & craftsmanship
  Every product is personally selected, inspected and lovingly finished by us. We create creative bespoke pieces with an eye for detail.
  
  
• Professional packaging for maximum protection
  We exclusively use high-quality, sturdy packaging materials. Your order is optimally protected against shocks and damage, so it arrives in perfect condition.
  
  
• Always 14 days to change your mind
  Not quite what you expected? No problem. You can return your order hassle-free within 14 days of receipt.
  
  
• Knowledge & passion for history
  We do not just sell products; we share a story. We love history and are always happy to explain it. That is why you will often find the background and provenance of the products included.
  
  
• Only a small fixed shipping contribution (we pay the rest)
  We never compromise on the safety of your delivery. You pay a fixed, low fee and we cover the rest. This ensures your order is guaranteed to be well on its way.