Uncommon Variant of Blaeu's Map of Europe

"Europa Recens Descripta", Blaeu, Willem

This is an uncommon and interesting variant of one of the most famous 17th century maps of the continent of Europe. It 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 (remnants of the figures are visible along the left border). This example, a variant of the third state without the decorative borders, is from a German edition of Emmanuel van Meteren's history book, printed by Blaeu. Even without the famous borders, this is an impressively decorative map embellished with Neptune, ships, sea battles, sea monsters, lions, and bears.

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Condition: A

A lovely impression that has been remargined with old paper at bottom to accommodate framing. There is a hint of offsetting.