Catalog Archive
Auction 187, Lot 470

"[Untitled - Atlas of Central Europe]", Covens & Mortier

Subject: Central Europe, Atlases

Period: 1735 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
4 x 10.2 inches
10.2 x 25.9 cm
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This charming small atlas includes 21 regional maps of Central Europe that were originally created by Pieter van der Aa for Abraham du Bois' La Geographie Moderne, Naturelle, Historique & Politique. Covens & Mortier acquired the plates and replaced Van der Aa's imprint with their own. Each map is densely engraved with towns, political boundaries, rivers and topography and includes a decorative cartouche. The title of each map ends with Suivant les Nouvelles Observations de Mess.rs de l'Academie Royale des Sciences, etc. Augmentees de Nouveau and the maps each measure approximately 11.5 x 8.7". This was likely a composite atlas, as there is no title page, list of maps, or text included. The maps are:

1. L'Allemagne
2. La Boheme
3. Cercle d'Autriche
4. Cercle de Baviere
5. Cercle de la Souabe Septentrionale
6. Cercle de Franconie
7. Cercle de la Souabe Meridionale
8. Cercle du Haut Rhin
9. L'Alsace
10. Landgraviat de Hesse
11. Cercle Electoral du Rhin
12. L'Archeveche de Mayence
13. L'Archeveche de Treves
14. L'Archeveche de Cologne
15. Cercle de Westphalie
16. L'Eveche de Liege
17. Cercle de la Basse Saxe
18. Le Duche de Lunebourg
19. Le Duche de Brunswick
20. Cercle de la Haute Saxe
21. Brandenbourg et Pomeranie

Hardbound in full leather with gilt bands and embossing on spine, and red leather label with "Atlas" on spine.

References:

Condition: B+

The maps are in very nice condition with contemporary outline color, issued folding, with old manuscript title and page number on verso of each map. There are occasional short fold separations that have nearly all been archivally repaired (except for a couple of short centerfold separations at bottom) and a 1" tear on "Cercle d'Autriche" has also been archivally repaired. The covers are heavily worn and scuffed with bumped corners. The spine has abrasions, some cracking, and a chip at bottom.

Estimate: $2,000 - $2,300

Unsold

Closed on 4/27/2022

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