Description

A fragment of an engraving from Grodno from 1568 has been reconstructed from individual prints preserved in different parts of the world. The original copper mold of 1568 has not survived.

The publication of the engraving was probably intended to familiarize the European political elite with an important city of the future Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth (the Union of Lublin was concluded in 1569) and to strengthen Grodno’s political weight.

The panorama of Grodno by Adelhaŭzer-Ciunt is the first authentic depiction of the Belarusian city and is among the largest and earliest medieval paintings depicting cities. The full size of the engraving is 102×36 cm.

The engraving shows a detailed panorama of Grodno, against the background of which Grodno marshal Ivan Vałovič meets the Moscow, Turkish, Tatar and Wallachian embassies in July 1567.

The fragment is labeled:
Arx Latericia – stone castle.
Domus Regia – royal house.
Arca ad domum Regiam – courtyard near the royal house.
Templum muro circumdatum Russorum – a Russian church surrounded by a wall.
Templum Polonorum in Urbe – a Polish temple in the city.
Curia – magistrate (city council).