Catalog Archive
Auction 140, Lot 431

Blaeu's Carte-a-Figures Map of Europe

"Europa Recens Descripta", Blaeu, Willem

Subject: Europe

Period: 1645 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
21.8 x 16.3 inches
55.4 x 41.4 cm
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This classic map of Europe is presented in the carte-de-figures style with vignettes on three sides. The upper frieze has nine bird's-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. The map is 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. French text on verso.

References: Goss (Blaeu) #4, p.30.

Condition: B+

Lovely color with a professionally repaired centerfold separation that enters 3" into map image at bottom and a couple of tiny tears in blank margins, one of which just touches neatline at right. There are a few faint spots and marginal soiling. Remnants of hinge tape on verso.

Estimate: $3,500 - $4,500

Sold for: $2,500

Closed on 5/23/2012

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