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Set of World & Four Continents - BLAEU, Johannes.

Creator: JOHANNES BLAEU
Offered by: Shapero Gallery

Description
BLAEU, Johannes.
[Set of World & Four Continents from the 'Atlas Major']
Nova et Accuratissima Totius Terrarum Orbis Tabula; Americæ nova Tabula; Asia noviter delineata; Africæ nova descriptio; Europa recens descripta.
Amsterdam, n.d. [c. 1650].

Set of 5 hand-coloured double-page engraved maps, centre fold as issued, with cartouches for the titles and dedication, Latin text on verso; sheet size: 49 x 60 cm.
Framed and glazed, overall size: 61 x 75 x 2 cm.

A fine set of five maps from the most expensive book published in the 17th century, an eleven-volume atlas containing 593 hand-coloured maps. The highly decorative borders have allegorical figures of the known planets along the top, lateral borders of the Four Elements and the Four Seasons, and the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World along the bottom. Each of the continents has lateral borders of native dress and nine city prospects along the top.

Blaeu's set of the World & Continents are perhaps the most decorative and cartographically accurate of all sets published in the 17th Century. Blaeu's work set the standard for other map makers during the Golden Age of Cartography, characterised by fine engraving, high quality paper and fine geographical detail. His map of the world is one of the earliest maps to utilize the Mercator Projection, which allowed mariners in the open sea to make practical use of maps. The map of the World is embellished with allegorical representations of the 4 seasons and 4 elements in the side panels, the 7 wonders of the Ancient World at the bottom and representations of the Classical Planets, moon and sun at the top. The maps of the 4 continents are embellished with depiction’s of the major cities of each continent atop the maps and a depiction of the costumes of various indigenous people along the side panels.

More Information

Documentation:	Ample Provenance
Origin:	Netherlands
Period:	Pre 18th Century
Materials:	engraving with hand-colour on paper
Condition:	Good.
Creation Date:	1650
Styles / Movements:	Other , Color
Dealer Reference #:	107252
Incollect Reference #:	613153

Dimensions

W.	29.53 in;	H.	24.02 in;	D.	0.79 in;
W.	75 cm;	H.	61 cm;	D.	2 cm;

Message from Seller:

Based in the heart of Mayfair in London, we specialise in prints and original works on paper across a broad range of subjects, from antique prints to modern pochoir plates, as well as photographs from vintage photography to modern art photography.

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