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an old map of europe and the middle east with a picture of a man standing on top of itan old map of europe with a map of the countryan old map of the middle of europe with a man standing on top of it
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847 - HESSEL GERRITSZ (c. 1581–1632)
See original version (French)

Estimate €1,500 - €1,800
Sale commission
Description
HESSEL GERRITSZ (c. 1581–1632) Tabula Russiae ex autographo, quod delineandum curavit Foedor filius Tzaris Boris desumta... [Map of Russia based on the manuscript from which Fyodor, son of Tsar Boris, had the drawing prepared...]. Amsterdam, 1650 Sheet 55 x 63 cm; image 42.5 x 54 cm. Copperplate engraving, coloured in watercolour. Commentary in Latin on the reverse. Excellent condition. A reprint of the famous map of Muscovy by Fyodor Borisovich Godunov, considered one of the earliest maps of Russia, published by the Dutch cartographer Hessel Gerritsz (c. 1581–1632) in Amsterdam in 1613. Taken from the ‘Atlas Novus’ (also known as ‘Theatrum Orbis Terrarum’) published by Willem (1571–1638) and Joan Blaeu (1596–1673) in 1634. The next edition of this map appeared in 1662 in the ‘Atlas Maior’. The map is based on Hessel Gerritsz’s rare and important map of Russia, drawn up on the basis of manuscripts brought back by Isaac Massa. In the top left-hand corner is a plan of Moscow in a cartouche with a legend containing 17 references; this cartouche was enlarged and published by Blaeu as a separate sheet in 1662. The map also features a large title cartouche with military motifs, several sailing ships, a compass rose and three streltsy, as well as a detailed bird’s-eye view of Arkhangelsk, Russia’s only northern port prior to the founding of Saint Petersburg. The map shows the borders and names of states, principalities and territories, defensive lines and the settlement patterns of the peoples. An additional map of Moscow with the caption: ‘Celeberrima Ingens et imperialis civitas Moscva’ (The glorious, great and imperial city of Moscow). Illustrations: ‘Habitus Russorum’ (figures in traditional Russian dress); ‘Russche Narva sive Ivanagorod’ (view of Narva, or Ivangorod); ‘Archangel sive Archangeska-gorod’ (view of Arkhangelsk); ‘Curia Imperatoris Russi appellata Kremlens-gorod’ (view of the Kremlin); ‘Hypocausta Russorum’ (Russian bath); ‘Molendina Russorum’ (mill). At the buyer’s request, we shall be happy to provide a general report on the condition of the lot described above. However, as we are not professional conservators or restorers, we strongly advise potential buyers to carry out their own inspection or to consult a specialist of their choice to obtain a comprehensive assessment of the lot’s condition. Descriptions of items provided in the catalogue or by correspondence are for information purposes only and should not be regarded as a definitive assessment. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSION REGARDING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD ‘AS IS’, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE PUBLISHED IN THE CATALOGUE.
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About the sale RARE BOOKS & MANUSCRIPTS: Antique books § Autographs, rare editions, photographs § Works on paper
Auction location
Auction time 10/29/2026 at 2:30 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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