1638 Taurica Chersonesus, Nostra aetate Przecopsca, et Gazara dicitur
By: William Blaue
Date: 1638 (Published) Amsterdam
Dimensions: 15 x 19.75 inches (38 cm x 50 cm)
This interesting antique map shows wide swathes of Russia, Asia and Persia along with parts of Lithuania, and with the currently-disputed Crimea/Tartaria region. The entire north shore of the Black Sea is depicted and its major cities are noted and named. Major rivers are noted and named and include among others, the Danube, the Dnieper, the Don, the Volga and the Oka.
At the time this map was made, relatively little was yet known about Russia, and much of what was shown on maps was taken from the reports of hunters and explorers. This map features a mistake in the location of the famed, ancient Russian city of Novgorod, which is located to the northwest of Moscow. Here Moscow is depicted as being far to the northeast of Novgorod, an example of inaccurate reports having been made, or of someone having misinterpreted reports. Ports, fortified cities, towns, forests and mountains are all included.
The map is hand colored with a decorative title cartouche and a small decorative distance scale in the lower left quadrant. It is further decorated with frigates sailing on the seas. This is one of the last maps published by Blaue during his lifetime.
Condition: This map is in B condition. A centerfold roll slightly distorts some text in the body of the map. Foxing and damp stains in the edges, a separation at the lower edge has been repaired with archival material on the recto.
Inventory: #10731
1200 W. 35th Street #425 Chicago, IL 60609 | P: (312) 496 - 3622