Magnificent Antique Engraving Featuring a Map of England and Ireland. Year 1665

Magnificent Antique Engraving Featuring a Map of England and Ireland. Year 1665

This beautiful black-ink engraving on white paper depicts a complete and detailed map of England and Ireland, as they were known in the 17th century. The engraving was produced in 1665, meaning it has over four hundred years of history. Although it shows some minor signs of aging, it is generally in very good condition, especially considering its age. A small portion of the paper is missing from the bottom margin, and in the lower right corner, the ink of the engraving is slightly faded. However, these details in no way detract from the great beauty and authenticity of this map; rather, they are part of its past and its history.

In the lower left corner of the engraving, we can see a beautiful classical-style cartouche bearing the names of the territories depicted in Latin: MAGNA BRITANNIA ET HIBERNIAE NOVA DESCRIPTIO. Hibernia is the ancient name for Ireland, which literally means "Land of Winter." In the two upper corners are two more cartouches: the one on the left depicts the coat of arms of England, while the one on the right shows a small depiction of the Scottish coast and the Orkney Islands. On the shield on the right-a detail of great decorative beauty-we can read the motto of the Order of the Garter: HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE, which, translated from Old French, means "Shame on him who thinks evil." The coat of arms rests on another motto in French: DIEUX ET MON DROIT (God and my right). Both inscriptions are typically associated with the English coat of arms, which is traditionally supported by a lion and a unicorn.

The engraving depicts the towns and rivers of the British Isles in great detail, with impressive precision. Furthermore, the surrounding seas are adorned with beautiful engravings of caravels and sailing ships majestically plowing through the waters. At the bottom is a compass rose. On the left, we can read the inscription "Oceanus Occidentalis," while on the right, the sea is named "Oceanus Germani." To the south of the islands lies the Oceanus Britannicus, while the Mare Hibernicum lies between them.

This magnificent antique map is sure to stand out in the most elegant office or the most stately living room.

Dimensions: Paper: Width: 40.1 cm. Height: 34.2 cm. Engraving: Width: 38.7 cm. Height: 32.2 cm.