Catalog Archive
Auction 125, Lot 751

"[Lot of 2] Tartaria [and] A New Description of Tartarie",

Subject: Russia

Period: 1632-88 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
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These two maps provide an interesting comparison of the cartographic concepts of Asiatic Russian in the seventeenth century.
The first map (7.3 x 5.5") is from the Mercator/Hondius Atlas Minor, circa 1632. The map is fully engraved with mountains, forests, and towns and includes part of China and the island form of Korea. The Anian Fretium separates Asia from Americae Pars with the Pacific coastline running directly north-south. Latin text on verso.
The second map (5 x 4") is from Robert Morden's uncommon atlas, Geography Rectified, published in 1688. It presents Asiatic Russia with an extremely truncated northeastern coastline shown in a dotted line reflecting the lack of knowledge in this region. Printed on page of English text with a description of the ancient history of the region.

References:

Condition: A

Both with light soil in blank margins. #2 with hinge tape remnants on verso.

Estimate: $300 - $375

Sold for: $220

Closed on 9/24/2008

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