Antique Map of Russia, with Inset of Moscow and Plan of Archangelsckagoroda

Antique map titled 'Tabula Russiae (..)'. Decorative hand-colored example of Hessel Gerritsz's map of Russia, with the large inset of Moscow and plan of Archangelsckagoroda. Hessel Gerritsz's map of Russia, first issued 1613, was published by Blaeu after he acquired the plate following Gerritsz's death in 1632. The top left corner has an inset plan of Moscow with a 17-point key. On the right is a prospect of Archangel, Russia's only northern port until the founding of St Petersburg in 1700. Three figures in Russian dress stand above. The title is within a martial cartouche. The map was compiled from manuscript maps and work brought back by Isaac Massa. The inset plan of Moscow has been attributed to the Crown Prince Fydor Gudonov. Published circa 1635 by W. Blaeu.

Willem Janszoon Blaeu (1571-1638) was a prominent Dutch geographer and publisher. Born the son of a herring merchant, Blaeu chose not fish but mathematics and astronomy for his focus. He studied with the famous Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe, with whom he honed his instrument and globe making skills. Blaeu set up shop in Amsterdam, where he sold instruments and globes, published maps, and edited the works of intellectuals like Descartes and Hugo Grotius. In 1635, he released his atlas, Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, sive, Atlas novus.

Condition: Fair. Age-related toning, minor wear. Original folding line, French text on verso. Two small pieces of tape on verso. Two small holes in bottom margin. Please study image carefully.

Date: c.1635

Overall size: 58.8 x 50.3 cm.