Catalog Archive
Auction 201, Lot 393

Blaeu's Carte-a-Figures Map of Europe in Full Contemporary Color

"Europa Recens Descripta", Blaeu, Willem

Subject: Europe

Period: 1663 (circa)

Publication: Le Grand Atlas

Color: Hand Color

Size:
21.7 x 16.1 inches
55.1 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. French 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 on a toned sheet with a short centerfold separation at bottom that has been archivally repaired. Despite the toning, the paper is still quite supple.

Estimate: $2,400 - $3,000

Unsold

Closed on 11/20/2024

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