This lot includes a matched pair of maps of Russia, each of which includes a strapwork title cartouche that credits the map to Isaac Massa, who visited Moscow in the early 1600s. The maps have no text on verso indicating they were issued after the demise of the great Blaeu publishing empire, as these were among the plates auctioned in 1677 following the fire that destroyed the printing house. Size varies slightly.

A. Russiae, vulgo Moscovia dictae, Partes Septentrionalis et Orientalis. This map details the area from Finland to Siberia and beyond the Jenisej River and south to the Volga River, with Kazan and Novogorod shown. A partial coastline of Novaya Zemla is shown at the top of the map. The map is fully engraved with mountains and forests with deer, bear and other animals throughout. The title cartouche is flanked with pelts, and hunters and a wide variety of animals surround the scale of miles. The crest of the Russian Empire is shown at top. The map is nearly identical to Jansson's map of the same title. Condition: Scattered foxing with paper added in bottom blank margin to repair several chips that enter map border in a couple of spots, with minor loss of neatline.

B. Russiae, vulgo Moscovia, Pars Australis. This map covers the southern part of the empire bordering the Caucasus. The map is elaborately embellished with richly dressed people and wild animals flanking three cartouches. The imprint of Johann and Cornelius Blaeu is at bottom, just left of centerfold. Condition: Light foxing with paper added in bottom corners to repair several chips, one of which just touches neatline at left.

References:

Condition: B

Both are backed with Japanese tissue. See description for additional details.