1641 Europa Noua Delineatio
By: Matthaus Merian
Date: 1641 (published) Frankfurt
Dimensions: 11.25 x 14.5 inches (28.5 x 37 cm)
This nicely colored decorative map of continental Europe by Matthaus Merian the Elder is based on earlier work of Blaeu. The map was published out of Frankfurt in 1641.
It is a simpler, less ornate version, reflecting the very beginning of the developing trend in cartography to focus more on the topography and less on ornament. In the west and northwest the map covers Greenland, Iceland, and the phantom island of Frisland. The British Isles are depicted along with all of mainland Europe including Scandinavia. The map extends eastward to include Anatolia and the Levant. Russian territory extends northeastward to Tartaria. Islands of the Mediterranean and northern Africa are included. The map features minimal ornamentation including a sea monster and ships at sea.
Matthaus Merian the Elder (1593-1650) initially studied art and engraving. He studied in Zurich, Paris, Stuttgart and the Low Countries, following which he moved to Frankfurt where he met and married the daughter of Johann Theodore de Bry, a well-known engraver and publisher. On the death of his father in law he took over the business and began publishing travel books and maps. He was also known as one of the leading German book illustrators of the seventeenth century.
Condition: Map is in B condition, trimmed on either side with paper added and the left neatline missing. Color is bright and map presents with lovely eye-appeal.
Inventory #12542
1932 S. Halsted #200 Chicago, IL 60608 (312) 496-3622