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Gerard Mercator (1512-1594) ranks as one of the greatest cartographers in history, not only for the extremely fine maps he produced, but also for the innovations which he introduced into cartographic science. Until the end of the sixteenth century, Ptolemy's concept of depicting sections of the world in trapezoidal configurations, like gores from a globe, had predominated. Mercator, however, stated that small sections of the earth were not significantly distorted toward the poles if longitude lines were represented as parallel by squares or rectangles. The development of the "Mercator projection," which became the established convention, was particularly important for the improvements it allowed in navigational methods.
Through his constant accumulation of new geographic and cosmological data, Mercator was able to produce the most accurate and current maps of his day, which unlike most of his contemporaries' maps were mostly original work. His maps not only are excellent cartographically, but they are aesthetically superb as well, with beautiful cartouches, stippled seas and other exquisite ornamentation. Mercator intended to produce a complete description of creation, heaven, the earth and the seas, a project he was only beginning when he died. Such was his influence that the title he chose for this projected work, "Atlas," has now become the generic name for all collections of maps.
This map focuses on the areas around Moscovia and includes Scandinavia in the upper left quadrant. Thus it shows that part of Russia which is in Europe. A fine, early map. $950
Jodocus Hondius. "Tartaria." From the Mercator-Hondius Atlas. Amsterdam: J. Hondius, [1606]. 13 3/8 x 19 1/4 (platemarks) plus full borders. Engraving. Original hand color. Full margins. Paper very clean except browning at far right margin. Reinforced centerfold. Very good condition.
A stunning Renaissance map by Jodocus Hondius showing the edges of the 'known world' in the early seventeenth century. Hondius purchased the plates for Gerard Mercator's famous Atlas in 1604, and began to issue new editions beginning in 1606. These editions contained maps from Mercator's plates, but Hondius began to include his own maps with new information, such as this map of Asian Russia. The map is drawn in the mannerist style much like Mercator's plates, with three wonderful strap-work cartouches, two costumed figures, and beautiful calligraphy. The cartographic information, which was compiled by Hondius, is fascinating.
The Great Wall of China, rivers, towns, and lakes are named and indicated from "Moskua" to the "Anian Fretum." While this Anian Strait is in the correct position of the Bering Strait, its depiction is based solely on speculation rather than first hand information from explorations. This is quite typical of this map, for it is not surprising that a rendering of the regions of the world at the edges 'known world' would contain as much fiction as fact. There is some accurate, newly, discovered information, including the mapping of the west coast of Nova Zembla, but there is much more that is simply myth or geographic error. Amongst the most noticeable of the latter are the lands of Gog and Magog, and Korea rendered as an island. An excellent map, decoratively and historically. $1,500
Isaac Massa. "Russiae volgo Moscovia dictae. Partes Septentrionalis et Orientalis. Auctore Isaaco Massa." Amsterdam: Joan Blaeu, 1642-43. 16 1/2 x 21 1/4. Engraving. Original hand color. Very good condition. Dutch on verso.
A nice example of Joan Blaeu's map of Moscovy, that is northern and eastern Russia. Considerable trade in Russia in the period came down the Dvina River from Archangel on the White Sea and this map shows all the small towns along that river. Other towns, rivers, lakes and other topography is indicated. Small vignettes of bears and elk populate the lands and two Russian inhabitants and fauna add decorative appeal to the cartouche for the scales of miles in the lower right. The title cartouche in the upper left, with pelts shown hanging from it, is flanked by a small cartouche with the imperial two-headed eagle. A nice map of the period. $575
Johann Baptist Homann. "Generalis Totius Imperii Moscovitici." Nuremberg: J.B. Homann, ca. 1720.19 1/4 x 22 1/2. Engraving. Original hand color. Very good condition.
While the French and then the English generally dominated the cartographic world in the eighteenth century, the Homann firm from Nuremberg, Germany was producing many influential maps and atlases during this time. The firm was founded about 1702 by Johann Baptist Homann, who was appointed Geographer to the Emperor in 1715. In 1724, upon J.B. Homann's death, the company passed on to his son, Johann Christoph Homann and then to his heirs, who traded under the name of Homann Heirs. This map shows the entire Russian Empire from the Dniper to the Pacific. The map shows the Black and Caspian Seas, and extends into the northern part of China, where the Great Wall is depicted. The interior detail of rivers, lakes, and settlements is impressive. Homann doesn't commit to whether Asia connects with North America, leaving a peninsula in the northeast open ended as it extends into the Pacific. The Homann firm is known for their wonderful decorative cartouches and this map is no exception. The title cartouche shows a host of symbolic figures presenting various aspects of knowledge to the Russian Emperor. In the upper left are some images of a whale hunt in the northern seas. $500
[Detail]
Thomas Woodroofe. “A Plain Chart of the Caspian Sea.” London: J. Hanway, 1753. 13 3/4 x 21 1/2. Engraving. With folds as issued. Split at fold at right and one tear just into image; repaired. Some light off-setting. Very good condition.
The first detailed chart of the Caspian sea based on the surveys of John Elton and Thomas Woodroofe. They were both Englishmen who surveyed the sea in the early eighteenth century as part of the British trade in the area. $450
Jean Janvier. "Russie d'Europe avec la partie la plus peuplée de celle d'Asie." From Atlas Moderne. Paris: Jean Lattré & J. Thomas, 1762. 12 1/8 x 17 3/4. Engraving by Lattré. Original outline color. Very good condition.
Jean Janvier was a French cartographer who worked in Paris in the latter part of the eighteenth century. Among his output were some fine maps which appeared in Jean Lattré's Atlas Moderne. This atlas contained maps of all parts of the world engraved by Lattré, the "Graveur Ordinaire du Roi." Janvier's maps contained the best information available at the time, done with typical French precision and care. The map has a finely etched title cartouche, in the upper right corner. $275
John Cowley. "Russia or Muscovy in Europe." From A New and Easy Introduction to the Study of Geography. London, 1777. Engraving. Ca. 4 1/2 x 5 1/2. Very good condition.
A fine, small map of Russia from John Cowley, "Geographer to his Majesty." $75
John Cary. “Russia in Europe.” From Cary’s New Universal Atlas. London: J. Cary, 1816. 9 x 11. Engraving. Original hand color. A few small spots in margins. Otherwise, excellent condition.
When the Napoleonic Wars ended, the victorious powers met to settle the borders of post-war Europe at the Congress of Vienna. The most notorious of their decisions was the final partition of Poland. In May 1815, Russia, Austria and Prussia signed the treaty dividing Poland among them. The lion’s share of the Duchy of Warsaw went to Russia. This map by Cary, issued the following year, reflects this division, with provinces identified and highlighted in contrasting shades of pastel hand color. A handsome and informative map with much detail. $175
Anthony Finley. “Russia in Europe.” From A New General Atlas. Philadelphia: A. Finley, 1824. 11 1/4 x 8 5/8. Engraving by Young & Delleker. Full original hand-color. Full margins. Very good condition.
Early in the nineteenth century, Anthony Finley was a great popularizer of maps out of Philadelphia and one of the leading cartographic publishers in America. His copper engraved maps are noted for their crisp appearance and interesting detail. This map of Palestine, at an interesting period of her history, is typical of his work. Towns, rivers, and and other topographical features are noted. Also indicated, with contrasting shades, are the political divisions of the nation. The bright color makes this map as attractive as it is informative. JT ON APPROVAL
Russian city plans by the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge. London: SDUK, 1834-36. Each ca. 12 x 15. Engravings. Original hand-coloring. Very good condition.
Detailed and clearly drawn maps of two cities of Russia by the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge (SDUK). This wonderful English enterprise was devoted to the spreading of up-to-date information and the enhancing of geographical understanding. These precise views of 19th-century geography are splendid examples of the Society's work. Each city map shows the streets, topography and major buildings of the city depicted. Also included are either inset views of the city and its buildings or a series of sketches of the facades of major buildings. Decorative and informative.
Go to page with other city plans by the SDUK.
S. Augustus Mitchell. “Russia in Europe.” From Mitchell’s A New Universal Atlas. Philadelphia: S. Augustus Mitchell, 1849. 15 3/4 x 12 1/2. Lithographic transfer from engraved plate. Full original hand color. A few light spots. Otherwise, very good condition.
A fine map of Russia in Europe from the mid-nineteenth century. The map is filled with myriad details, including major rivers, cities, and provinces. It is a fine example of American cartography near mid-century and a fascinating and decorative historical artifact. $55
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