Subject: Russia in Europe
Period: 1643 (circa)
Publication: Theatre du Monde ou Nouvel Atlas
Color: Hand Color
Size:
21.4 x 16.4 inches
54.4 x 41.7 cm
This map is based on the travels of Isaac Massa, who visited Moscow in the early 1600s, during the turmoil in Russia following the death of Tsar Boris Godunov and the assassination of the False Dimitry, who only reigned as Tsar for ten months before he was killed in 1606. It 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, forests, deer, bears, and more. 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. Johannes and Cornelius Blaeu's imprint appears above the distance scale. French text on verso, published between 1643-50.
References: Van der Krogt (Vol. II) #1801:2.
Condition: B+
A fine impression with light manuscript notations, a rust spot below the title cartouche, and light printer's ink residue.