Catalog Archive
Auction 155, Lot 489

"Rhenus Fluviorum Europae Celeberrimus, cum Mosa, Mosella, et Reliquis, in Illum se Exonerantibus, Fluminibus", Blaeu, Willem

Subject: Central Europe, Rhine River

Period: 1640 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
38.2 x 16.5 inches
97 x 41.9 cm
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This splendid map depicts the Rhine River valley from its headwaters in southern Switzerland to where it empties into the North Sea in the Netherlands. The map is fully engraved with the tributaries of the Rhine, hundreds of towns, political boundaries, and even graphic depictions of mountains and forests. Oriented with north to the right, the map is embellished with a large allegorical cartouche featuring Bacchus, river gods, and woodland animals. A decorative cartouche at top right dedicates the map to Andreae Bickero. The distance scale includes a row of putti holding the coats of arms of the regions represented in the map. Blank verso. On two sheets, professionally joined.

References: Van der Krogt (Vol. II) #1120:2B.

Condition: A

A clean and bright example with a crisp impression and original color that has been refreshed and a hint of offsetting. There are expert and nearly invisible repairs to a long fold separation at left and a short fold separation at right.

Estimate: $475 - $600

Sold for: $450

Closed on 11/18/2015

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