Artesia, Comitatus - Artois.

Article description

Original antique copper engraving, hand coloured when published, depicting Artois. Published by G. Blaeu, Amsterdam, 1643-50. Sheet: 381 by 499mm (15 by 19 inches).. A fine decorative example of antique cartography by Guijelmus Blaeu & Joan, rich in period detail and historical significance. Willem Janszoon Blaeu (1571–1638) and his son Joan Blaeu (1596–1673) ran the most celebrated cartographic publishing house of the Dutch Golden Age. Joan Blaeu's Atlas Maior (1662–1665), published in eleven to twelve volumes depending on language edition, was the largest and most expensive book of the seventeenth century — containing some 600 maps engraved to the highest standards. Joan Blaeu served as Official Cartographer to the Dutch East India Company (VOC). Blaeu maps are the most sought-after antique maps in the collector market, prized for their superb engraving, sumptuous hand colour, and the prestige of the Blaeu name. An interesting map of Artois in France. The former province located in the northwestern part of France, boarding Belgium (Flanders) on the north and Picardy to the south. In good condition for its age (published 1643-50). Colours well preserved. Some age-toning and minor imperfections consistent with a document of this antiquity. A condition report is available on request.

Guijelmus Blaeu & Joan – Artesia, Comitatus - Artois. · Original Antique Copper Engraving, Hand Coloured · G. Blaeu · Amsterdam 1643-50

Ref: Koeman [3300:2]