Sold Antiques

M-6531: (Image : 15 x 19 ½ ”)  “AGER PARISIENSIS Vulgo L’ISLE DE FRANCE…” Amsterdam: Guilliaume Blaeu, c. 1635.  Fine engraved map with original hand-coloring. Verso text: Latin.

This very attractive early 17^th century map depicts the L’Isle de France Region in northern France. The area around Paris was originally known as Francia, from which the name of France was derived. The city was founded more than 2,000 years ago on an island in the Seine River, some 233 miles upstream from the river's mouth on the English Channel. The modern city has spread from the island (the Île de la Cité) and far beyond both banks of the Seine.

Most towns, cities, forests, and waterways are identified.  The colorful title cartouche with the coat-of-arms further enhances the map.

Blaeu was founder of the leading 17^th century Dutch cartographic firm. “The achievements of the firms of Blaeu were remarkable, & the palm for supremacy in map production in any age must be awarded to the Blaeu” (Tooley: Maps & Map-Makers, p. 33).