Artesia

Article description

Original antique copper engraving, hand coloured when published, depicting Artois. Published by M. Seutter, Augsburg, 1720-30. Sheet: 490 by 577mm (19¼ by 22¾ inches).. A fine decorative example of antique cartography by Matthäus Seutter, rich in period detail and historical significance. Matthäus Seutter (1678–1757) was one of the most prolific German map publishers of the eighteenth century. Born in Augsburg, he trained as an engraver under Johann Baptist Homann in Nuremberg before establishing his own cartographic publishing house in Augsburg around 1717. By 1732, Emperor Charles VI had honoured him with the title of Imperial Geographer. Seutter produced a vast output of maps, atlases, and globes — including the Atlas Geographicus (1725), the Grosser Atlas (1734), and the Atlas Minor (1744) — distinguished by their large format, rich hand colour, and elaborate allegorical cartouches. After his death in 1757, the firm passed to his son-in-law Tobias Conrad Lotter, who continued the Augsburg cartographic tradition. Seutter maps are highly sought after for their decorative quality and impressive dimensions. Ornated in the upper right corner with a large decorative allegoric title cartouche. In the upper left corner a milage scale, below with a table of explanations. In good condition for its age (published 1720-30). Colours well preserved. Some age-toning and minor imperfections consistent with a document of this antiquity. A condition report is available on request.

Matthäus Seutter – Artesia · Original Antique Copper Engraving, Hand Coloured · M. Seutter · Augsburg 1720-30