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1664-1631-BLAEU-Map-Carolus-Thorlaksson-ICELAND-Decorative-Erupting-Hekla
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1664 (1631) BLAEU Map (Carolus-Thorlaksson) ICELAND Decorative! Erupting Hekla

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Tabula Islandiae

  50 cm x 38 cm copperplate engraving, 65 cm x 56 cm sheet size, original hand colour, Amsterdam, engraved circa 1631, printed 1664

We are pleased to offer this scarce and wonderfully decorative original map of Iceland (Van der Krogt 1250:2.2) compiled by Willem Blaeu (1571-1638) who with his son Joan Blaeu (1599-1673) together established in Amsterdam the foremost cartographic firm of the 17th century and set the tone for the Golden Age of Dutch mapmaking.  With the Hondius-Jansson firm publishing an absolutely identical map (even down to the decorative elements) this became the definitive map of Iceland throughout the 17th century.  The cartography is based on a map drawn by the Dutch navigator Joris Carolus (1566-1636) in the 1620s which was in turn based on the famous 16th century map of Iceland by the scholar and Bishop Gudbrandur Thorláksson (1541-1627).  This example is from the 1664 Dutch edition of the Blaeu firm's unsurpassed Atlas Maior.  A much sought-after and iconic 17th century map, this well preserved example will make an elegant presentation if matted and framed.




We begin our survey of the map with the charming title cartouche which credits Carolus with the cartography. 
Beneath one of two handsome compass roses with radiating rhumb lines that are featured on the map, winged water nymphs empty urns from a bed of vegetation above a garlanded and strapwork frame while a sea monster surfaces nearby:


Turning to the map itself, we see Mount Hekla in full eruption and Skálholt shown as an episcopal see - the first bishopric in Iceland was founded there in 1056.  A notation at lower right refers to white falcons being found in the region - presumably the gyrfalcon.  Meanwhile, a ship and sea monster appear below the Vestmannaeyjar Islands, where Keiko of Free Willy fame was gradually reacclimated to the wild.  Map of course long predates any establishment at Reykjavík which did not receive its charter until 1786, but settlements are shown at "Keplawick" (Keflavik) and "Hanefiord" is shown for Hafnarfjördur:

Note the "Gouberman" islands to the west of Ísafjardardjúp - these are the legendary (and presumably non-existent) Gunnbjarnar Islands said to be discovered by Eirikr Thorvaldsson ("Erik the Red" and father of Leif Eriksson) in the tenth century:

Turning to the north, we find Hólar, where a bishopric was established in 1106.  Note the pictorial depiction of mountains rising from the many fjords:

Far northeast with rugged topography - both the horizontal engraved lines for littoral waters and the pictorial chains of mountains and fjords give the map a distinct "three dimensional" appearance:

Mileage scale with sea monster "bookends" and armillary sphere:




The extensive Dutch text on verso, assembled by the Blaeus from a number of sources is a fascinating document in and of itself.  We are present representative excerpts in a contemporary translation below:



Iceland is the greatest of all those Islands in the Western Ocean which are subject to the Kings of Norway; it takes this name from the cold, wherewith it is partly frozen... The most do suppose this to be that Thule mentioned by the Ancients, which also Ptolemy doth call Thule, which he placeth in the 30 Degree of Latitude and 63 of Longitude.  Solinus placeth it five days and nights sail from the Orcades.  An Island the most famous of all other with Poets, when by this, as being the farthest part of the World, they would intimate anything far distant..

The inhabitants live, eat and lodge in the same houses with their cattle.  They live in a holy simplicity, seeking nothing more than what Nature grants them, for the Mountaines are their Townes and the Fountaines their delight.  Yet the English and Danish merchants do trouble their quite, not suffering them to be content with their own, for they frequent this island to bring away fish from thence and have brought among them their vices together with their wares...

In Iceland there are three very high Mountaines whose tops are always white with continual snow, while the bottoms do burn with continual Fire.  Not far from Hecla there are mines of Brimstone which is the only commodity of traffic that belongs to the inhabitants of Iceland, for merchants do freight and load their ships with it...


Condition - Please note carefully:   The map is in excellent condition as can be ascertained from photos, strong impression with distinct platemark on fine laid paper, image area essentially pristine, original hand colour bright and vivid, exceptionally wide, full margins as issued.  Map exhibits a more or less vertical crease in top margin to the right of centrefold that terminates at the edge of the neatline.  There is also some minor "rollover" of centrefold which can be mitigated by a skilled conservation framer, some trivial soiling in left margin extremities, trivial agetoning to margin edges, remnants of old acid-free hinge mount in corners on verso.  In all an exceptionally well preserved example of a classic map that will make a superb presentation if matted and framed.   Inquiries welcome and we encourage you to visit our other auctions on eBay.


Note: Final auction price includes insured shipment within continental United States. All other customers to pay actual shipping costs via traceable means including full insurance.  International buyers are wholly responsible for any applicable customs fees, duties or taxes upon receipt; these charges are NOT included in shipping charges or unit price.   International buyers should verify what charges would apply to any resultant transaction with customs officials in their countries prior to bidding.   Such charges are typically collected by the courier, e.g. FedEx, and are NOT additional shipping or handling fees.  

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In response to frequent inquiries, please be advised that the terms engraving, lithograph, woodcut etc. as used in our auction descriptions denote a PRINT, i.e. an image printed on a sheet of paper, and that all such items are unconditionally guaranteed to be original and authentic - we never offer reproductions. Please see our glossary for definitions of terminology used in our auction descriptions.   
We conduct our business in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America and are committed to complete customer satisfaction with every purchase.  We encourage you to evaluate our eBay customer feedback as a convenient means of gauging our performance and reputation.

"Some to beautify their halls, parlours and chambers... liketh, loveth, getteth, and useth maps, charts, and geographical globes" - John Dee (1527-1608)
"...Maps begin as dreams, pass through a finite life in the world, and resume as dreams again..," - Thomas Pynchon

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