1640 Tabula Islandiae Auctore Georgio Carolo Flandro.
Tabula Islandiae Auctore Georgio Carolo Flandro.
By: Willem Blaeu
Date: 1640 (Published) Amsterdam
Dimensions: 14.75 x 19.25 inches (36.47 x 48.9 cm)
This lovely colored map of Iceland was published by Willem Blaeu. It is based on a classic in the history of mapmaking, the renowned Ortelius map of 1585, which was the first relatively accurate map of Iceland. The information for Ortelius’ map was taken from indigenous Icelandic sources, presumably from the works of Bishop Gudbrandur Thorlaksson. We see in this map of some fifty plus years later that geographically, little has changed in the representation of the island.
Mount Helka is shown erupting which is very accurate as it is the most active volcano in Iceland with more than twenty documented eruptions since 874 AD. Interesting notes can be found in Latin which include two springs known to change white wool black and black wool white (located in the southwest portion of the island), and a notation of a 'shape shifting serpent that terrorizes the locals' found in a long inlet bay of the eastern coast. A scene of a sailing Dutch tall-ship firing its cannons upon sea monsters, and two compass roses further embellish the map.
Willem Janszoon Blaeu (1571 – 1638) was a prominent Dutch cartographer. Born to a family in the merchant class, Blaeu chose mathematics and astronomy at university, studying with the famed Danish nobleman/astronomer Tycho Brahe, whose observations became the basis for a new understanding of the universe, with whom Blaeu perfected his instrument and globe making skills.
Condition: This map is in B condition with old color on lightly toned paper with full margins on all sides. Some browning along the centerfold is apparent as are several pinholes (4 in the image the rest confined to margins) that are only easily found when held to the light. A printer's crease in the right portion of the map is also noticeable upon close examination. Overall, the map exudes lovely old world eye appeal.
Inventory #12205
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