Catalog Archive
Auction 199, Lot 363

Blaeu's Carte-a-Figures Map of Europe

"Europa Recens Descripta", Blaeu, Willem

Subject: Europe

Period: 1635 (published)

Publication: Toonneel des Aerdrycks

Color: Hand Color

Size:
21.9 x 16.1 inches
55.6 x 40.9 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. Dutch text on verso.

References: Goss (Blaeu) #4, p.30; Van der Krogt (Vol. II) #1000:2.

Condition: B+

A nice impression with full contemporary color that has been partially refreshed, on a lightly toned sheet. The map has been professionally backed in archival tissue to repair a centerfold separation that enters 2" into image at bottom and to a tear that enters 1" into image at right.

Estimate: $2,750 - $3,500

Sold for: $1,500

Closed on 9/11/2024

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