Blaeu's Turkish Empire:   TURCICUM IMPERIUM.

Original copperplate engraved
Original Color
410 x 520 mm
Map # AS-170
$ Sold
 

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Willem Janszoon, or Willem Jansz Blaeu (1571-1638) as he is more commonly known, was one of the most noted Dutch cartographers and map publisher of the 17^th century.  R.V. Tooley stated that Blaeu’s maps are "esteemed by collectors for their decorative quality, historical importance, and as the highest expression of Dutch cartographic art during the period of its supremacy" (Tooley, p 28).  

After preparation as a pupil of the great Danish astronomer, Tycho Brahe, Blaeu initially concentrated on globe making and separately published maps, including wall maps of the continents.  From 1608, he dominated the market for sea atlases and in 1630 produced his terrestrial atlas.  These atlases were continued by his sons, culminating in the great Atlas Maior of 1662 in 11 volumes with subsequent editions.

This particular map is from Blaeu's Atlas of 1638 or 1640-43, with a signature of "K" on the verso.  There is French text on the verso of this map describing the Turkish Empire.  

Reference:  Kogt, van der.  Koeman's Atlantes Neerlandici.  vol.II, p.591.    

Very Fine Condition.  In rich attractive color.  One small spot to the right of the cartouche, and with repaired slight bottom centerfold separation not near the map image.  The map margins are very wide, beyond the above image.