Catalog Archive
Auction 151, Lot 582

"Venice. Venezia. Venedig", SDUK Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge

Subject: Venice, Italy

Period: 1838 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
22.9 x 15.2 inches
58.2 x 38.6 cm
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The beginning of the nineteenth century saw a period of rapid market growth and innovation in the map publishing world. Increased literacy and public interest in new frontiers and colonies overwhelmed the market because it was oriented toward the small, affluent market of the previous century. With the intent to fill this void, The Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge (SDUK) was founded in 1828 in London, by Lord Brougham and a group of men dedicated to the education of the aspiring working class and the Utilitarian ideal of 'Knowledge is Power.' The society produced an array of education materials, but the series of maps was one of their most successful ventures. A number of engravers and printers were used to produce the maps, which eventually exceed 200 sheets, and continued to be published after the Society as a whole ceased to function.

This very finely engraved plan of Venice features excellent detail of the canals, streets, and scores of named buildings. A large inset "Plan of the Environs of Venice, Shewing the Lagunes" is contained within a handsome scroll border. There is a well rendered bird's-eye "View of the Mint, St. Mark's Church, the Palace, &c." and along the bottom are elevations for twelve important buildings. Engraved by B.R. Davies from W.R. Clarke's drawing. Printed on two sheets.

References:

Condition: B+

Original color with light toning on the left sheet and faint color offsetting.

Estimate: $250 - $325

Sold for: $100

Closed on 11/19/2014

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