Catalog Archive
Auction 132, Lot 404

"Europ, and the Cheife Cities Contayned therein Described; with the Habits of Most Kingdoms Now in Use", Speed, John

Subject: Europe

Period: 1626 (dated)

Publication: A Prospect of the Most Famous Parts of the World

Color: Hand Color

Size:
20.3 x 15.5 inches
51.6 x 39.4 cm
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This is one of the most beautiful carte-a-figure maps of Europe, surrounded with vignettes on three sides. The upper frieze has eight bird's-eye views of London, Paris, Rome, Constantinople, Venice, Prague, Amsterdam and Lisbon. The side borders contain the costumes of the noblemen and women of ten European nations. The map shows the well-detailed but fictitious island of Frisland just off the coast of Iceland, and the seas are alive with sea monsters and ships. Beautifully engraved by Abraham Goos; Bassett and Chiswell edition, published circa 1676. Related English text on verso.

References:

Condition: B+

There is a professionally repaired 2" tear at bottom right. The left margin is torn at upper left with a small tear entering the map and closed on verso with archival tape.

Estimate: $3,750 - $4,500

Unsold

Closed on 6/2/2010

Archived