Catalog Archive
Auction 133, Lot 509

"Moscva des Grossen Zaars Residentz Stadt in Russlandt", Olearius, Adam

Subject: Moscow, Russia

Period: 1647 (published)

Publication: Beschreibung der Muscowitischen und Persischen Reise

Color: Hand Color

Size:
15.2 x 11.2 inches
38.6 x 28.4 cm
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Adam Olearius was a participant in the German embassy to Moscow and Persia in 1633. He traveled extensively in Russia and his account of the expedition is one of the most important early accounts of European travels in Russia. His bird's-eye plan shows the city situated at the junction of the Moskva and Neglinnaya Rivers, which form a moat protecting all but the northeast flank of the Kremlin. The map shows the Kremlin and old city, Kitay-gorod, at center. These are surrounded by successive rings of fortifications in an elegant and superbly well-protected metropolis. The plan is ornamented with a fine title cartouche, a coat of arms, and an extensive key to the numbered features, quarters and buildings.

References:

Condition: A+

The centerfold has been reinforced on verso.

Estimate: $1,600 - $2,000

Sold for: $1,600

Closed on 9/1/2010

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