Catalog Archive
Auction 115, Lot 370

"Europa recens descripta", Blaeu, Willem

Subject: Europe

Period: 1635 (circa)

Publication: Atlas Maior

Color: Hand Color

Size:
22 x 16 inches
55.9 x 40.6 cm
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This classic map of Europe is done in the carte-de-figures style with vignettes on three sides. The upper frieze has nine birds-eye-views of Amsterdam, Prague, Constantinople, Venice, Rome, Paris, London, Toledo and Lisbon. The side borders contain the costumes of the noblemen and women of ten European nations. Embellished with sailing ships, sea monsters, bears and Neptune riding a dolphin and holding his trident. A beautiful map produced at the height of the Golden Age of Dutch mapmaking; it was included in the first volume of Blaeu's magnificent atlas. German text on verso.

References: Goss (Blaeu) #4; Van der Krogt (Atlantes) #1000:2.

Condition: A

Minor repair on centerfold. Margins slightly trimmed but still very ample.

Estimate: $3,500 - $4,000

Sold for: $6,000

Closed on 6/21/2006

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