1717 A New and Exact Map of Sweden and Norway...
A new and exact map of Sweden and Norway : corrected from the best observations communicated to ye Royal Society at London & the Royal Academy at Paris &c.
By: Emanuel Bowen
Date: 1717 (circa) London
Dimensions: 22.5 x 37.75 inches (57 x 96 cm)
One of the rarest antique maps of Scandinavia that was issued in 1717 for the Royal Society at London and the Royal Academy in Paris. Only two other examples are noted by OCLC World Catalog in the National Library of Sweden and the National Library of Scotland.
This impressive large format map by Emanuel Bowen presents all of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finalnd, Estonia, and Latvia with incredible detail. Aside for the basic cartographic detail found in most maps, this map provides several other interesting notes including a whirlpool in the north sailors refer to as the "navel of the sea." Another notation found in the Baltic Sea just off the coast of Gotland reads "This land is very fruitful and full of Game the King generally spending one Month in the Year here a Hunting."
As noted in the title cartouche, this map and others could have been purchased for 9 pence from George Willdey at the corner house in Ludgate street next St. Pauls Church London. An rare instance of advertising not often found in the world of antique map collecting can be seen in another cartouche in the lower left corner of the map that depicts other tools, household items and scientific instruments which can be purchased at George Willdey's shop.
An inset of Northern Lapland and Spitsberg appears at the top left and an intriguing view of Stockholm rests in the lower right corner of the map. The eye can't help but be drawn to the ornate title cartouche in shape of classical pediment adorned by armor and allegorical figures as well as two prisoners bound with their hands behind their back at the base of the cartouche.
This rare, antique map of Scandinavia is undoubtedly an absolute must have for any serious collector of the region or institution with such a direction in acquisitions and study.
Condition: The map is in B+ condition with no major tears or holes. Some soiling is apparent in mostly in areas for creases that have since been flattened.
Inventory #11443
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