Catalog Archive
Auction 132, Lot 406

"Europa recens descripta", Blaeu, Willem

Subject: Europe

Period: 1633 (circa)

Publication: Wahrhafftige Beschreibung all denckwurdigsten Geschichten…

Color: Hand Color

Size:
18 x 14.2 inches
45.7 x 36.1 cm
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This is an uncommon variant of one of the most famous 17th century maps of the continent of Europe. The map covers all of Europe and extends to include Iceland and the mythical island of Frisland. The map first appeared with a carte-a-figures border. This example, without the decorative borders, is from a Dutch history book by Emmanuel van Meteren and printed by Blaeu. Even without the famous borders, this is a decorative map embellished with Neptune, ships, sea battles, sea monsters, lions, and bears.

References:

Condition: A

The top margin has been professionally extended to better accommodate framing.

Estimate: $1,300 - $1,700

Sold for: $700

Closed on 6/2/2010

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