1833 Dresden
By: SDUK
Date: 1833 (circa) London
Dimensions: 12.6 x 14.4 inches (32 x 36.6 cm)
This interesting map of Dresden was published out of London in 1833 by the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, also referred to as SDUK.
Dresden is situated on both the northern and southern banks of the Elbe River in eastern Saxony, a German state located on the easternmost border of the country. The city was built on the site of Slavic fishing villages and began to develop as a mercantile center and seat of government as early as the 13th century CE and eventually was home to electoral princes and kings. By the early modern era the city had become a magnificent centre of politics, culture and economic development. Its opulence led to its destruction in WWII when the allies bombed it as retribution for the acts of Nazi Germany.
The map is a highly detailed bird’s eye view of the city as it was in 1833. The early city walls are still evident. All major architectural edifices are depicted and many are named. Along the bottom of the map are depicted a number of the most important buildings, each identified by name, along with a major bridge which spanned the Elbe. The perspective of the map demonstrates the geographical advantages of the site, with the river running through the middle of the city, providing an important mercantile transport route.
The SDUK was founded in 1828 by Henry Peter Brougham, an idealistic British nobleman. The aim of the society was to promote self-education and egalitarian sharing of knowledge by providing instruments of learning such as maps and various other publications. Despite being affiliated with London University and various major publishing houses, the Society ultimately failed to achieve its goal as the publications were too costly for the targeted middle to lower class echelons of British society. At the same time, its publications were not grand or fine enough to appeal to the aristocracy.
Condition: This hand colored map is in A condition with no tears or holes and ample margins on all sides. Some light discoloration is apparent along the top margin but does not distract from the overall beauty of the map.
Inventory #12334
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