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VIEWS FROM A TRIP AROUND THE WORLD
#6 - ANTWERP, HOLLAND

Size: 5" x 3"
Copyrighted: 1891
Lithographer: Joseph P. Knapp

Antwerp, Holland - Antwerp Cathedral; Fish Market
Illustrations: Antwerp Cathedral; Milk-Maid; View of Antwerp; A Fisherman; The Fish Market

Reverse - Text
Left section: GRIND YOUR COFFEE AT HOME
Right section:
ANTWERP, HOLLAND.
This chief commercial city of Belgium, lies 50 miles from the open sea, in a level tract, on the right bank of the Scheldt. Antwerp seems to have been founded by the Saxons some time before the eighth century. It began to rise in prosperity at the beginning of the twelfth century, and in the sixteenth century had the name of being the richest commercial city in Europe, but the wars of that century suddenly reduced its glory.
Antwerp was formerly surrounded by walls and was also defended by a citadel, erected by the Duke of Alva in 1568. The walls have been removed, giving place to streets and boulevards, detached forts being placed at some distance from the city. After its subjection to French rule at the close of the last century, Napoleon I. expended large sums of money in military and commercial improvements. It was released from French possession in 1814, and after other vicissitudes was restored to the Belgians in 1832.
Its general appearance is highly picturesque, from the many churches, convents, fine public buildings and antique houses of the older portion. The principal street, called Place de Meir, is one of the finest streets in Europe. The Cathedral of Notre Dame is the largest and most beautiful specimen of Gothic architecture in the kingdom. It was 80 years in the course of erection. It is 500 feet long, has six aisles, and one of the towers is 403 feet high. It contains the celebrated painting by Rubens, "The Descent from the Cross," also his famous picture, "The Assumption of the Virgin." The Church of St. James contains the family chapel and tomb of Rubens, and a beautiful altar piece designed by him. Antwerp is the birthplace of many distinguished persons.
Population, 221,360.