This is Blaeu's version of Hessel Gerritsz' rare and significant map of Russia, which he compiled from manuscripts brought back by Isaac Massa. The map covers the European part of the Russian Empire extending from Poland to the steppes of Tartary, and from the Mourmanskoy More (Barents Sea) to the Black and Caspian seas. The large inset plan of Moscow is attributed to the Crown Prince Fydor Gudonov. The map is richly decorated with a large title cartouche, sailing ships, a compass rose, three Russian gentlemen, and an inset view of Archangel Sckagoroda. Latin text on verso, published between 1644-55.

References: Van der Krogt (Vol. II) #1800:2.2.

Condition: B+

A dark impression with full contemporary color, light soiling, some extraneous creasing along the centerfold, and dampstains along the bottom edge of the sheet, just touching the map border. There are archival repairs to a centerfold separation that enters less than 1/2" into image at bottom and a chip in the bottom margin.