1831 Madrid
By: SDUK
Date: 1831 (published) London
Dimensions: 12.5 x 14.5 inches (31.8 x 36.8 cm)
This elegant map of Madrid was published in 1831 by the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, also referred to as SDUK.
Founded on a steep bank of the Manzanares River as a fort in the 9th century CE, the city became important in the 10th century as a military stronghold. In the 16th century it became the capital of Spain under Phillip III. In the upper left hand corner the map depicts the escarpment on which the city was built. The city proper is highly detailed, with city walls colored red. Gardens and plazas are denoted, and directly under the city plan are miniature depictions of major architectural edifices in the city, along with their names.
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 map is in A condition with original outline hand coloring on lightly toned paper with full margins on all sides.
Inventory #12342
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