Tag Archive for: european maps

Antique European Maps Take You on a Journey in Time

Taking into consideration cartographers in past centuries did not have space satellites or even aircraft to aid them in mapping the world, their work that survives is remarkable not only for its place in illustrating but also for its artistic beauty. This week’s online collection of fine antique European maps brings forward the impressive talent early-century mapmakers had in creating their works.

An appropriate starting point is an Abraham Ortelius map of Europe, published in Antwerp in 1584 (the first edition was published in 1570). A ship sails in the stipple engraved ocean below the title cartouche, which features Europa riding a bull. The hand-colored, copperplate engraving is rated in “very good” condition and is estimated at $1,100-$1,250.

Abraham Ortelius: Map of Europe, 1584, Antwerp, hand-colored, copperplate engraving, 13 1/2 x 18 1/4 in. (34.2 x 46 cm). Estimate: $1,100-$1,250. Jasper52 image

 

Published in Amsterdam in 1660 is J. Janssonius’ sea chart of the British Isles, a beautifully hand-colored copperplate engraving that is expected to cruise to $1,300-$1,400.

J. Janssonius: Sea Chart of British Isles, Gold Leaf, 1660, hand-colored copperplate engraving, 17.1 x 21.9 in. (43.5 x 55.5 cm). Estimate: $1,300-$1,400 Jasper52 image

 

A large atlas wall map of Western Europe, published in 1756 by Jean Baptiste Bourguignon d’Anville, is printed on thick, good quality paper. Suitable for farming, the hand-colored map is estimated at $775-$875.

Jean Baptiste Bourguignon d’Anville: Premiere partie de la carte d’Europe, folding map, 1756, 40 x 33 inches (102 x 84 cm). Estimate: $775-$875. Jasper52 image

 

Barcelona, the great Mediterranean port city, is the subject of a plan map by Seutter of Augsburg, Germany. Dated 1740, the map contains a detailed plan of the Catalan capital contemporary color, with an uncolored view of the city below. Both plan and view include keys to major monuments, fortifications, thoroughfares, squares and gates.

Seutter: Plan of Barcelona, 1740, Augsburg, Germany, 22 1/2 x 19 1/2 in. Estimate: $550-$625. Jasper52 image

 

The unmistakable outline of Italy’s boot stands out in a highly detailed map of the Kingdom of Naples, published by Nolin of Paris in 1742. Dedicated to Philip V of Spain, the map includes a lengthy text block on the “Geographical and Historical Division of the Kingdom of Naples;” a letter key to symbols indicating archbishoprics, “royal fiefs,” duchies, counties, and various political and geographic features. Its superb title cartouche is held aloft by a sea monster.

Nolin: Le Royaume de Naples, 1742, Paris, 18 1/2 x 22 1/4 in. Estimate: $350-$375. Jasper52 image

 

An 1801 German map of Sicily by Goetze of Weimar has an elegant title cartouche and an inset map of the Maltese Islands. The delicately colored map has a $350-$375 estimate.

Goetze: map of Sicily and Malta, 1801, Weimar, Germany, 22 x 17 1/4 in. Estimate: $350-$375. Jasper52 image

 

Explore Europe and view the full catalog of antique European maps here.

Travel Old World Europe via Antique Maps

If you have a longing to visit Europe but dislike air travel, join us this week for our collection of antique maps of the Old World. Explore both land and sea from the comfort of your armchair with this array of maps of Europe and England.

First stop is England, which is represented by an unusual decorative map by famed cartographer John Speed that encompasses Cumberland and much of the English Lake District. The hand-colored map is from his 1611 atlas titled The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine. This double-page map includes an inset plan of the town of Carlisle and a description of “The Puct’s Wall,” aka Hadrian’s Wall, an ancient Roman fortification. Speed introduced town plans, vignette scenes of topographical, historical or archaeological interest to mapmaking.

Hand-colored map of Cumberland, encompassing much of the English Lake District. From John Speed’s atlas ‘The Theatre of the Empire Of Great Britaine.’ Estimate: $500-$700. Jasper52 image

 

Another colorful British map is of the city of London and surround area by T. Bowles and published in Germany 1741. It measures about 19.5 by 22.2 inches.

‘Regionis, Qvae Est Circa Londonvm, Specialis Repraesentatio Geographica, Ausführliche Geographische Vorstellung Der Gegend Um London’ (London and surrounding areas) by T. Bowles bei Homann Erben, 1741, 49 x 56.5 cm. Estimate: $450-$600. Jasper52 image

 

Laurent’s 1793 map of Manchester and Salford represents a topographical plan showing allotments of land to be developed. An inlet shows a strip road map from London to Manchester. This 18th century map measures about 17 by 14.5 inches.

Late 18th century map of Manchester and Salford, England, engraved by J. Cary. C. Laurent, Dec 3, 1793, London, 42in x 36.25in. Estimate: $500-$700. Jasper52 image

 

Heading east, the grand tour travels to southern Italy, guided by the 1832 Marzolla Atlas of the Two Sicilies. The volume contains 21 double-page maps detailing the extent of the United Kingdom’s of Naples and Sicily (1808-1861) and its individual provinces. Rich detail is given in the left and right margins of the maps as to population and dioceses within each of the provinces as well as customs, historical summary and products/industries of each province. The atlas measures 17.8 by 12.8 inches.

Rare Italian language atlas of the ‘Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.’ The union of the Kingdoms of Naples and Sicily (1808-1861). B. Marzolla, 1832, Napoli, 17.8 x 12.8 inches with 21 double-page maps. Estimate: $1,000-$1,500. Jasper52 image

 

Pianta della Regia Città di Venezia is an aquatint plan of Venice, surrounded by 21 views of the city’s main monuments and sights. Designed by Bertoja, engraved by Lazzari and published by Gallo in 1831, this map measures 22.2 by 19.5 inches.

‘Pianta della Regia Città di Venezia,’ aquatint plan of Venice, surrounded by 21 views of the city’s main monuments and sights. Designed by Bertoja, engraved by Lazzari, published by Gallo. Venice, 1831, 22 1/2in x 19 1/2in. Estimate: $1,500-$2,000. Jasper52 image

 

Farther east comes a map of the Aegean Islands, from Crete to Macedonia and Romania. Published by G. Rossi in Rome in 1685, this map is adorned with an elaborate central title cartouche featuring Neptune and Persephone flanking a shell and sea monsters.

‘Arcipelago Mar Egeo,’ a map of the Aegean Islands, from Crete to Macedonia and Romania. Cartographer: G. Rossi, Rome, 1685, 17 1/2in x 21 5/8in. Estimate: $1,000-$1,500. Jasper52 image

 

Not done with your European travel? This map collection also visits Spain, France, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark and Russia. Not only will these maps serve as decorative pieces, they will also reveal a past vision of the world. Bon Voyage!