Subject: Europe
Period: 1580 (circa)
Publication: Cosmographia
Color: Black & White
Size:
6.5 x 10 inches
16.5 x 25.4 cm
This is a simplified version of Johannes Bucius' representation of Europa Regina or Queen of the World. West is shown at top with Spain forming her head and the crown, France and Germany the neck and bust, Italy the left arm and Denmark the right arm holding a scepter with Britain as the flag. The remainder of the figure is a flowing robe with Greece and Russia at the feet. It has been argued that instead of a woman, the map represents Charles V of Spain, modeling a Europe that had Spain as its crown. Whatever the source, this is an extraordinary example of the art of mapmaking.
References:
Condition: B
Toned with a couple of worm holes in blank margins.
