Charte von Island und den Färöer Inseln
[Map of Iceland and the Faroe Islands]
Prague: Anonymous, 1808 (dated)
Size (neatline): 41.0 x 29.3 cm / 16.1 x 11.5 in
Size (sheet): 42.2 x 35.4 cm / 16.6 x 13.9 in
Technique: Copper engraving
Colour: Hand coloured
Verso: Blank
Condition: Very good
Handsome map of Iceland by an anonymous Prague publisher
Description
This lovely map of Iceland appears to be an anonymous version of a map published a year earlier by the Geographisches Institut in Weimar, which, in turn, is likely based on a similar, but larger, map by Johann Christoph Matthias Reinecke, published in 1800 and 1804 by the Verlag des Industrie Comptoirs, also in Weimar. The latter was based on surveys by a French 1771-72 scientific expedition, led by Jean-René de Verdun de la Crenne, under the participation of Alexandre Guy Pingré and Jean-Charles de Borda.
The map is rich in topographic detail, with relief depicted and glaciers (“E.B.”, i.e. “Eisberg”), rivers, lakes, towns, and political subdivisions shown and named. Hot springs (“Warme Quellen”) are represented through triangular symbols, while monasteries/convents (“Kl.”, i.e. “Kloster”) and bishoprics are indicated through single and double bell tower symbols, respectively.
Curiously, the map does show a volcano where Hekla is located, but names it “Skaffta”.
An inset to the lower right depicts the Faroe Islands.
Three distance scales are displayed at bottom left.
A splendid early 19th century map of the “land of fire and ice”.
Condition
Very good.
Printed on watermarked paper, issued folding, with multiple horizontal and vertical foldlines. Early colouring in outline. Cut to platemark at left and right. Very light soiling, mostly contained to bottom margin. A few tiny spots in left half. At centre right, one small tear, closed on verso.
Item #: 03049
US $500.00