MIDDLE-SEXIA
by
JOHANNES BLAEU
Published Amsterdam 1662 in "Geographiae Blauianae Volumen Quintum quo Angliae quae est Europae liber undecimus continetur".
A fine original Blaeu copper engraved county map of Middlesex.
The title is displayed in a decorative cartouche featuring a harvest of wheat and fruit.
The city of London is shown in pictorial form and much of the map covers present day Greater London.
Many London districts eg. Chelsea, (Chelsey), Kensington, Stepney, Islington, Clapham etc are shown as outlying villages.
A coat of arms adds to the visual appeal.
Enhanced with original hand colour which remains bright and fresh. Latin text verso.
Fine condition other than very light toning and minor age related blemishes. Free of repairs or restoration. Centre fold as issued.
A crisp, dark impression. The heavy grade hand laid paper remains robust and stable.
Approx. 20" x 16" (500mm x 410mm) map area only, with good margins beyond.
Please see also close up images.
Willem Janzoon Blaeu (1571 -1638) founded the Blaeu publishing company which dominated the mapmaking industry of 17th century Netherlands. His sons Joan (Johannes) and Cornelius continued the family business after Willem's death in 1638. Their greatest achievement was perhaps the famous atlas "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum Sive, Atlas Novus", which eventually ran to 12 volumes and was published in several languages from 1635 - 1662. The print shop and warehouse was destroyed by fire in 1672 and Willem's last son died the following year.
D1017
