A very attractive, finely engraved and historically interesting 17th century map of Fens — covering South Lincolnshire, the Soke of Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire and parts of Norfolk and Suffolk — which was published by Joan Blaeu for his Atlas Maior (Amsterdam: 1664 [ Dutch text on reverse*]). The map is probably based on a now lost manuscript map by William Hayward and shows the Fens before they were drained by Cornelius Vermuyden in the 1650s. Interestingly, prominent places such as Whittlesey and Ely are situated on islands (hence ‘Isle of Ely’) whilst Peterborough serves as a port to the Fens. The map is orientated so North is pointing to the right.
*A watermark in the paper of ‘Atlas holding a Globe’ dates this to the ‘Atlas Maior’ Dutch edition of 1664.
Joan Blaeu (1596-1673). The Blaeu workshop, based in Amsterdam, produced the most magnificent atlases and maps of the period, the time in which the Netherlands was experiencing its ‘Golden Age’ in art, science and commerce. A true perfectionist, Blaeu used only the best engravers, printers and colourists and only the finest materials, including paper, to produce his atlases. In 1645 he published a county atlas of England & Wales as part of his ‘Theatrum Orbis Terrarum’ series. Each map epitomised the craftsmanship and artistry of the Blaeu workshop being finely detailed with ornate cartouches, cherubs, heraldic shields and calligraphy. Later in 1662, the maps reappeared in volume five of his ‘Atlas Maior’ which is perhaps the finest cartographic work ever produced in the history of map making.
- This is an original copperplate engraving with original hand colour.
- Printed area is approximately 54.2cms by 43.5cms.
- The map is in very good condition with decent margins; centrefold, as issued. There is some minor age staining and creasing. Click on image for a better view.
- Click on ‘Delivery Policy’ for postage costs.
- Guaranteed to be over 350 years old.
