Detailed Map of Southern Spain by P. Starckman. France, 1705
Magnificent antique map engraved in black ink on white paper, depicting southern Spain and part of North Africa. This is a fantastic work by the engraver P. Starckman, created in France in 1705. The map is very old but is in excellent condition, with no significant damage or tears. The depiction of the territory is faithful and surprisingly accurate, providing a meticulous and detailed account of the towns, cities, mountain ranges, and rivers of Spain. The drawing is clear and very elegant, and overall, this map is a piece of great decorative value and unique authenticity.
At the bottom center of the engraving, we can see an inscription reading "P. Starck-man scl." This caption indicates that the map is the work of P. Starckman, a French engraver and cartographer born in 1646 and who died in 1720. Starckman's maps are characterized by their meticulousness and elegance, a quality that is evident in this particular work. The names written in elegant cursive and the organization of the space, as well as the delicate motifs symbolizing mountain ranges and other geographical features, lend great beauty to the map and make it a very special piece.
In the lower left corner of the map, we can see the scale, while on the right is one of the engraving's most attractive details: the title cartouche with the description of what the map depicts, written in French: Andalusia, the Kingdoms of Granada and Murcia, and a large part of those of León, Castile, and Valencia. At the end of the text, the year the engraving was printed is clearly visible: 1705. The title cartouche features a simple, architecturally inspired border that sets it apart and makes it stand out, serving as yet another exquisite detail to highlight in this fantastic early 18th-century map.
Collectors of antique maps will find a true gem in this work by P. Starckman, which is as precise as it is decorative.
Dimensions: Paper: Width: 39 cm. Height: 27 cm. Engraving: Width: 35.7 cm. Height: 25.3 cm.