Ducatus Eboracensis Anglice Yorkshire, England - Joannes and Willem Blaeu 1645-1646 Ref. MA-5
This fine and highly decorative map of 'Yorkshire' in England was published in Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, sive Atlas Novus - Part IV", Amsterdam, by Joannis and Willem Blaeu, 1645, 1646. According to R. Baynton-Williams in his well-known book, Investing in mapshe says "The finest Dutch map publishers were the Blaeu family, and they hold the title of mapmakers supreme for any period of cartographical history."
This is an original copper-engraving, with original old hand-colouring. It shows a figure title-cartouche of two fishermen, a cartouche showing a cherub with the scale of map ("Milliar. Anglica ..."), 2 royal coats of arms and a coat of arms of Yorkshire.
Willem Janszoon Blaeu (1571-1638) was the founder of the Blaeu publishing house and it was he who established the fine reputation of Blaeu maps. Born in Alkmaar, Holland, in 1571, his interests were in Mathematics and Astronomy, and, under the tutelage of Tycho Brahe, a Danish astronomer, he qualified as a instrument and globe maker. In 1600, he discovered the star P Cygni.
By 1633 he was appointed map-maker of the Dutch East India Company. In 1634 he commenced publication of the "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum" or "Novus Atlas" and on his death in 1638, he was succeeded by his son Johannes (1596-1673). Johannes continued to enlarge and update the "Theatrum" with a separate volume devoted to England and Wales. The Novus Atlas was initially printed in two volumes, and published in four languages, namely, Dutch, French, Latin and German, but, by 1655, it had developed into six volumes. The map offered above is from a French edition, printed in 1645-1646 ( see the photo of the back of the map showing the French translation). T heatrum Orbis Terrarum eventually evolved into the magnificent "Atlas Maior", known as one of the most important atlases ever published and, the most expensive!!
So great was the name of the Blaeu maps, that the Dutch painter, Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675), shows Blaeus map of Holland and North Friesland in three of his paintings.
The map remains in relatively good condition, with the exception of the centre-fold which is beginning to show signs of splitting. There is some slight foxing throughout and a small spill mark to the side of the cartouche. The map measures roughly 50cm X 40cm has been recently framed.
This is a genuine antique. Please remember the classification of an 'antique' is that it should be 100 years old, OR MORE. There are many articles being offered as 'antiques' when, clearly, they are not.
Price R5,000.00
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