Catalog Archive
Auction 118, Lot 535

"A Generall Mapp of the Isles of Great Brittaine, Designed by Monsieur Sanson", Blome, Richard

Subject: Britain

Period: 1669 (dated)

Publication: Geographical Description Of The Four Parts Of The World

Color: Hand Color

Size:
20.3 x 15.6 inches
51.6 x 39.6 cm
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This scarce map is from the first folio atlas to be wholly engraved, printed and published in England. The copper engraved map covers all of Great Britain with the Shetland Islands shown in a small inset at upper right. The map is embellished with a large, elaborate heraldic cartouche with a dedication to Charles the Second just below, and numerous sailing ships and sea monsters shown in the seas. The 24 maps in Blome's atlas were engraved by Francis Lamb, Thomas Burnford and Wenceslas Hollar. This map is after Sanson and was engraved by Lamb in 1669.

Richard Blome was one of the most interesting, and most active, publishers of illustrated books in post-Restoration London. There is an excellent biography on MapForum.com.

References:

Condition: B

Printed on fine hand laid paper with original margins. Some printer's creases in lower left quadrant, small hole in upper border at centerfold, and a little creasing and one short tear along centerfold.

Estimate: $600 - $800

Sold for: $550

Closed on 3/6/2007

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