| Method | Copper engraved |
| Artist | Drogenham, Gerrit |
| Published | G. Drogenham Sculp. [Stockholm, c.1690] |
| Dimensions | 265 x 325 mm |
| Notes |
A rare and detailed late seventeenth century map of Scandinavia, engraved by Drogenham for Dahlbergh's monumental Suecia Antiqua et Hodierna, a collection of over three hundred maps, portraits, and topographical engravings designed to celebrate the Swedish Empire during the Great Power Era. The map's title, the 'Ancient' Arctic, essentially refers to the kingdoms, tribes, and regional divisions of the Migration Period and the Viking Age, mapping the historic names of various parts of what would later become Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Russia, and the Baltic States. The map draws heavily on the Sagas, mapping regions such as Byarmia (Bjarmaland), Halogeland, and Westfold. Off the western coast of Norway in the Lofoten archipelago, the famous whirlpools of the Moskstraumen are shown as a large spiral, here labelled 'Acheron', in reference to the classical mouth of the Underworld, rather than 'maelstrom' as in many other maps of the era. Mountains are shown pictorially, and important cities and towns are shown as turreted icons. The whole map is criss-crossed by a slanting graticule. Gerrit Drogenham (fl.c.1690-1735) was a Dutch engraver, cartographer, and instrument maker, active in Amsterdam. In addition to producing maps and plates for Visscher, van Keulen, and Stoopendahl, he also produced globes and other geographical tools. Erik Jönsson Dahlbergh (1625-1703) was a Swedish author, military engineer, Field Marshall, and Governor-General, hailed in his own life time as the Swedish answer to his French contemporary, the Marquis of Vauban. In addition to his military exploits, he is also remembered as the author of the Suecia Antiqua et Hodierna, a topographical tour of the Swedish Empire at its height, inspired by the similar topographical atlas of France produced by the Merian family. Condition: Minor time toning and tears to margins, not affecting map. Minor creasing and staining to bottom right margin. Blank on verso. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £450.00 |
| Stock ID | 53450 |