Tag Archive for: historical maps

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!

A Trip Around the World Through Historical Maps

Maps are snapshots of world history. They record the result of battles, migrations and the birth of new nations. Enthusiasts collect maps for various reasons. The mind, the eye, and the heart all play a role in making new acquisitions.

For serious scholars, maps are crucial documents that present reality on the ground at a particular date. They reveal the borderlines in a year of conflict or the growth of cities during and after a period of global exploration. Rarity is more important than condition; a single example may reveal information that was previously unknown to anyone.

Maps can be as ornamental as they are informative. Cartographers were not content with just the ground plan; artists added ornamental borders, stately personifications of a city or state, and even mythological monsters swimming in the oceans.

Maps hold extra visual appeal when displayed in groups of three or four. Maps can reveal details of the place and time when ancestors were born or record pleasant details of special events – a honeymoon in France, gap year in New Zealand, anniversary cruise to Alaska – a map that recalls a special memory will bring a smile every time you walk past it.

Cuba with Havana Inset

Cuba with Havana inset, 1902, 14½ x 22in. Image courtesy of LiveAuctioneers

Thanks to improved diplomatic relations, a new wave of American travelers is discovering the rich cultural heritage of the island-nation of Cuba. The date of the map shown above – 1902 – was a crucial year for the country; American occupation had ended and a free Republic of Cuba was born.

 

Map of North America

1850 Map of North America by Thomas Cowperthwait. Image courtesy of Jasper52

This 1850 Map of North America by Thomas Cowperthwait is a colorful lesson in global spheres of influence. Canada remained a British possession until 1867, and Russia ruled Alaska until Seward’s purchase of the territory that same year. The Southwestern United States were still in transition. Texas declared statehood in 1845 and California in 1850, but Arizona and New Mexico would remain Mexican territories until 1912.

 

Map of France

1829 Malte-Brun Map of France. Image courtesy of Jasper52

Maps approach their subjects with different objectives. This 1829 Malte-Brun Map of France indicates not only the region’s settlements and topography, but also its political divisions.

 

Map of the Low Countries

1753 Homann Map of the Low Countries. Image courtesy of Jasper52

Anyone with ancestry from Belgium, the Netherlands or Luxembourg can trace family history on this detailed Map of the Low Countries with counties carefully outlined in color. An elaborate cartouche depicts the heraldic shields of the 17 provinces, as well as Neptune and Hermes with a globe illustrating the Dutch East Indies. The 1753 map was printed by Homann, Nurnberg.

 

Map of Virginia

1855 map of Virginia printed by G.W. Colton shows the state before West Virginia became a state of its own. Image courtesy of Jasper52

This map from G.W. Colton was printed in 1855 and shows Virginia as it looked before West Virginia became a separate state and six years before the beginning of the Civil War. Its insets depict the cities of Richmond and Norfolk.

 

Map of Northern Russia

1792 de L’Isle Map of Russia. Image courtesy of Jasper52

This attractive 1792 de L’Isle map covers northern Russia, from the Arctic Ocean and Finland to just beyond the Petzora River. It highlights in detail the topography, along with numerous villages, towns and roads. Its colorful cartouche features putti and a variety of scientific instruments. This important map of the European portion of the Russian Empire of the late 16th century is a testament to how much change has occurred in the area that eventually became the Soviet Union.

If you’ve purchased a map that is not already framed, it is wise to choose a frame shop with experience in mounting fragile documents. Once preserved with acid-free materials and sun-resistant glass, your map becomes a handsome virtual time capsule of geographic history to adorn your home or office.

By Karla Klein Albertson