Catalog Archive
Auction 130, Lot 410

"Europa recens descripta", Blaeu, Willem

Subject: Europe

Period: 1635 (circa)

Publication: Atlas Maior

Color: Hand Color

Size:
22 x 16 inches
55.9 x 40.6 cm
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This classic map of Europe is done in the carte-de-figures style with vignettes on three sides. The upper frieze has nine birds-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. 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. Latin text on verso.

References: Goss (Blaeu) #4, p.30.

Condition: B+

Wide original margins and original color. There is some uneven toning and old repairs on the centerfold margins with a minor repaired tear at bottom center that just entered the map border.

Estimate: $4,500 - $5,500

Sold for: $3,250

Closed on 12/2/2009

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