Catalog Archive
Auction 170, Lot 448

Decorative Map of Britain with Vignettes of Saxon History - Spanish Edition

"Britannia Prout Divisa suit Temporibus Anglo-Saxonum, Praesertim Durante Illorum Heptarchia", Blaeu, Johannes

Subject: Britain

Period: 1658 (circa)

Publication: Nuevo Atlas del Reyno de Inglaterra

Color: Hand Color

Size:
20.7 x 16.3 inches
52.6 x 41.4 cm
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Magnificent map of Anglo-Saxon Britain flanked by elaborate vignettes depicting kings and scenes from Saxon history. The scenes are identical in subject matter to those used by John Speed. However they are presented in the dramatic, Dutch miniature style. The left border contains portraits of the earliest kings, while the right one depicts later kings in the process of conversion to Christianity. Included is a scene of Ethelbert receiving instruction from Saint Augustine and another of Sebert re-consecrating the temples of Diana and Apollo, now St. Paul's, London and St. Peters, Westminster. The map shows England, Scotland and Wales divided into the various Saxon kingdoms, each decorated with its coat-of-arms. A superb example of Dutch cartographic design and engraving with gilt highlights surrounding the title cartouche. Spanish text on verso, published between 1658-62.

References: Shirley (BI to 1650) #549; Van der Krogt (Vol. II) #5000H:2B.

Condition: B

Remargined at top and the upper portion of the right side margin. There are several small tears in the map and an edge tear at right that extends 2" into the decorative panel, all of which have been repaired on verso with archival material. Light surface soiling.

Estimate: $2,200 - $2,500

Sold for: $875

Closed on 11/14/2018

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