Map by Christoph Weigel, 1720

Antique Map from 1720 by C. Weigel Showing the Historical Situation of Europe in the 5th Century.

This stunning original 18th-century map is a work by Johann Christoph Weigel, known as Christoph Weigel "the Elder." It is an engraving from the year 1720 depicting the countries of Europe as well as part of North Africa, accompanied by an engraving showing the coastline of most of the American continent. At the top of the map is a description of its subject: SCENA HISTORIARUM OCCIDENTALIS QUINTI SECULI P.N. CHR, meaning: Scene from Western History in the 5th Century A.D. The map retains its original coloring and is in very good condition.

The engraver's name also appears at the top of the map: Curante Cristophoro Wegelio. Noriberge (Nuremberg). C. Weigel was a well-known German engraver, art dealer, and publisher, born in 1654 and died in 1725. This fantastic map attests to the quality of his engravings, standing as a true work of art in the field of ancient cartography. Most of the engraving is taken up by a large map of Europe and North Africa, featuring several of the countries that currently make up those continents as well as others that no longer exist. The names of oceans and seas are also shown, accompanied by meticulous inscriptions in small cursive script.

The map is framed by a golden ochre border, with the scales and title at the top. On the left side of the engraving, we can see a circle bearing the inscription "SUPPLEMENTUM TEATRO HISTORICO," which depicts the globe with the American continent shown almost in its entirety. Below this detail, the inscription lists some of the sources used to obtain the data, such as the maps by G. Mercator, A. Ortellius, and G. Sanson. The engraving is richly detailed, with meticulous information that includes the Latin names (those in use during the period depicted by the map) of hundreds of European and African towns.

This 18th-century map is a unique piece, worthy of a lover of ancient art and the most beautiful maps.

Dimensions: Paper: Width: 44.3 cm. Height: 35 cm. Engraving: Width: 40.8 cm. Height: 32 cm.