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This is certainly true when it comes to so called miniature maps. If you're new to collecting antique maps there are some big advantages to collecting small. There's no problem with wanting to display your collection. If you have limited space at home is not an issue. These small maps are easy to handle, store and affordable to mount and frame.
Above: A Pair of Hemisphere Maps - Continent Septentrional & Meridional by Alain Mallet c1683.
A favourite of mine is the work of Alain Manesson Mallet the French cartographer and engineer. He started his career as a soldier in the army of Louis XIV, became a Sergeant-Major in the artillery and an Inspector of Fortifications. He also served under the King of Portugal, before returning to France, and his appointment to the court of Louis XIV. His five volume work Description de l'univers was originally published in Paris in 1683 and contained almost 700 small engravings of maps, charts, plans and views.
More info on this pair of Mallet's Hemisphere Maps
A favourite of mine is the work of Alain Manesson Mallet the French cartographer and engineer. He started his career as a soldier in the army of Louis XIV, became a Sergeant-Major in the artillery and an Inspector of Fortifications. He also served under the King of Portugal, before returning to France, and his appointment to the court of Louis XIV. His five volume work Description de l'univers was originally published in Paris in 1683 and contained almost 700 small engravings of maps, charts, plans and views.
More info on this pair of Mallet's Hemisphere Maps
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Today we're plagued with online sites saturated with reproduction antique maps and prints. These reproductions are copies made by various modern methods. Price alone should indicate as to original or reproduction, but for those new to collecting its wise to do some basic research. This will be a great help in making the right call when it comes to buying.
A simple place to start if you're interested in maps made between c1600 to late c1700 is to get familier with the intaglio print process used in making such maps. Get to grips with the basics HERE. (Above: From India Orientalis by Matthaus Seutter c1730 A scarce map of the East Indies and part of Australia, from the Atlas Novus.
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A real help if you're new to antique map collecting is to get an understanding of what maps were printed on, yes, the paper! Getting an understanding of the history of paper making and how it relates to old maps is the real place to start.
You've likely heard the term 'laid paper' or seen it used by a map dealer in describing a map. All maps were printed on laid paper up until around the end of the 18th century. Your going to be ahead of the game if you know how to identify laid paper. I'll show you how . . . IDENTIFYING LAID PAPER
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More Tips for the Novice . . . If you're new to collecting antique maps one of the first things that confuses the novice is the term 'original map'. This is compounded by the fact that many maps are attributed to differing people, sometimes the cartographer or the engraver, sometimes to the publisher.
What can the image above tell you about the map? Above: From India Orientalis by Matthaus Seutter. A scarce map of the East Indies and part of Australia, from the Atlas Novus. Often map dealers will simply use the most famous name associated with the map. So what exactly is an original? Here's where to begin . . . THE BEGINNING!
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Another book recommendation for novice antique map collectors is Antique Maps and their Cartographers. Following the success of his How to identify Old Maps and Globes, Raymond Lister expanded the iterature of mapmaking still further with Antique Maps and their Cartographers. Beginning with the map-making of primitive peoples and ancient Babylonia, the intriguing history is carried through to the late nineteenth century, each chapter having its own carefully selected bibliography to enable the reader to pursue his studies further in any field in which he feels a particular interest.
To the many enthusiastic collectors of British maps Chapter V, with its generous illustrations, will have an especial appeal, but it is probable that readers whose studies have hitherto been confined to one sector only of this vast subject will be stimulated to investigate others, where great rewards await the knowledgeable collector.
To the many enthusiastic collectors of British maps Chapter V, with its generous illustrations, will have an especial appeal, but it is probable that readers whose studies have hitherto been confined to one sector only of this vast subject will be stimulated to investigate others, where great rewards await the knowledgeable collector.
Above: Antique Maps and their Cartographers. Publisher: G. Bell & Sons Ltd. 1970.
As previously mentioned I recommend developing a reference library geared towards your specific subject of interest. The benefits are many and the knowledge you gain will help you with the decision making process when it comes to future investments for your map collection. These books are a great resource when it comes to understanding about maps and learning about your subject of interest.
More info on "Antique Maps and their Cartographers" can be found HERE
As previously mentioned I recommend developing a reference library geared towards your specific subject of interest. The benefits are many and the knowledge you gain will help you with the decision making process when it comes to future investments for your map collection. These books are a great resource when it comes to understanding about maps and learning about your subject of interest.
More info on "Antique Maps and their Cartographers" can be found HERE
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As I've mentioned before having beautiful prints of flowers and plants in your home is like bringing the outside indoors. If you're looking to brighten up your decor or simply love collecting botanical prints then the work of Pierre Joseph Buchoz is worth considering. Buchoz, a physician and naturalist, is now best known as a compiler and book publisher of enormous energy. The complete list of his works runs to over 500, the majority of them now very rare. The print below is among 1200 plates from the set of a broad variety of botanicals by Buchoz (also spelled Buc'hoz), an extremely prolific author of botanical books in the latter half of the 18th century.
Above: Rare botanical print Indian Mallow Abutilon indicum on 18th century hand laid paper from Pierre Joseph Buchoz Herbier Artificiel Botanical Print 1783.
Buchoz was a physician & lawyer by training, as well as a passionate naturalist. He was physician to many prominent individuals, including the King of Poland, the brother of the King of France & the Duke of Artois. He was an enthusiastic and prolific publisher of botanical works including Herbier Artificiel, Histoire du Regne Vegetal, Histoire Universelle, Le Jardin d’Eden & Collections Precieuse et Eluminees des Fleurs. Early on, he recognized the significance of Japanese & Chinese drawing techniques, and was the first to publish drawings by Asian artists, a good century before the passion for the Orient overtook Europe.
For full details of this print go HERE It's currently available in my Etsy Store . . .
Happy Hunting!
Buchoz was a physician & lawyer by training, as well as a passionate naturalist. He was physician to many prominent individuals, including the King of Poland, the brother of the King of France & the Duke of Artois. He was an enthusiastic and prolific publisher of botanical works including Herbier Artificiel, Histoire du Regne Vegetal, Histoire Universelle, Le Jardin d’Eden & Collections Precieuse et Eluminees des Fleurs. Early on, he recognized the significance of Japanese & Chinese drawing techniques, and was the first to publish drawings by Asian artists, a good century before the passion for the Orient overtook Europe.
For full details of this print go HERE It's currently available in my Etsy Store . . .
Happy Hunting!
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I've been fortunate to live just a step away from the River Thames near London on and off for most of my life. I'm now parked further out west and just a minutes walk from the river near Marlow in Buckinghamshire. I never tire of walking along by the river. Maybe you have a connection in your own past with a river, maybe the river Thames? Antique river maps remain popular with collectors and checking some recent stock I came across some more of these wonderful maps produced by Henry Taunt.
Above: Original River Thames 'Map 4' by Henry W. Taunt c1885 Photographer to the Oxford Architectural and Historical Society from 'A New Map of The River Thames from Thames Head to London' on a scale of two inches to a mile.
The maps were produced in lithograph with early albumen prints added to each map before publication. In the example above there is also additional later hand colour. About thirty maps were produced and published in 'A New Map of The River Thames from Thames Head to London' c1885 Oxford Taunt & Co 9 & 10 Broad Street, London, Simpkin Marshall & Co Stationers Hall Court.
These are wonderful small format maps that make a lovely gift and are popular with collectors you can see more examples HERE.
The maps were produced in lithograph with early albumen prints added to each map before publication. In the example above there is also additional later hand colour. About thirty maps were produced and published in 'A New Map of The River Thames from Thames Head to London' c1885 Oxford Taunt & Co 9 & 10 Broad Street, London, Simpkin Marshall & Co Stationers Hall Court.
These are wonderful small format maps that make a lovely gift and are popular with collectors you can see more examples HERE.
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Another book recommendation for the novice antique map collector. This edition of Maps and Map Makers includes many additions to the Bibliographies and Lists of Maps; a number of additional illustrations; and a completely fresh chapter on the Maps of the Scandinavian Countries.
On its release it was said to be the most comprehensive book and the most attractive on maps ever written.....a magnificently illustrated study of map-making from the earliest times to the mid nineteenth century.
On its release it was said to be the most comprehensive book and the most attractive on maps ever written.....a magnificently illustrated study of map-making from the earliest times to the mid nineteenth century.
Above: Maps and Map Makers by R.V. Tooley. Publisher: Bonanza Books, Crown Publishing by B.T. Batsford Ltd.
Amateur collectors will find this book most useful; experts, librarians and booksellers will hardly be able to dispense with it as a reference book. As mentioned before I recommend developing a reference library geared towards your specific subject of interest. Books like this one are a great resource when it comes to understanding about maps and map makers. The benefits are many and the knowledge you gain will help you with the decision making process when it comes to future investments for your map collection.
I have a copy of "Maps and Map Makers" available on this website HERE
Happy Reference Book Hunting!
Amateur collectors will find this book most useful; experts, librarians and booksellers will hardly be able to dispense with it as a reference book. As mentioned before I recommend developing a reference library geared towards your specific subject of interest. Books like this one are a great resource when it comes to understanding about maps and map makers. The benefits are many and the knowledge you gain will help you with the decision making process when it comes to future investments for your map collection.
I have a copy of "Maps and Map Makers" available on this website HERE
Happy Reference Book Hunting!
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Interest in armed conflict with stories of campaigns and battles and the continuing assessment of leaders, tactics and their strategy remains ever popular with military history enthusiasts, historical reenactment groups and antique print collectors.
Here are four of the exceptional aquatint prints from Jenkins The Martial Achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815. Currently available in my May Bank Holiday Sale. The Battle of Quatre Bras 1815, the Battle of Talavera 1809, the Battle of Vimiera 1808 and the Battle of Rolica 1808. Thanks for looking.
Here are four of the exceptional aquatint prints from Jenkins The Martial Achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815. Currently available in my May Bank Holiday Sale. The Battle of Quatre Bras 1815, the Battle of Talavera 1809, the Battle of Vimiera 1808 and the Battle of Rolica 1808. Thanks for looking.
Top Left: The Battle of Quatre Bras was fought on 16 June 1815, as a preliminary engagement to the decisive Battle of Waterloo that occurred two days later. The battle took place near the strategic crossroads of Quatre Bras and was contested between elements of the Duke of Wellington's Anglo-allied army and the left wing of Napoleon Bonaparte's French Armée du Nord under Marshal Michel Ney.
Top Right: The Battle of Talavera was fought just outside the town of Talavera de la Reina, Spain some 120 kilometres southwest of Madrid, during the Peninsular War. At Talavera, an Anglo-Spanish army under Sir Arthur Wellesley combined with a Spanish army under General Cuesta in operations against French-occupied Madrid.
Bottom Left: In the Battle of Vimeiro (sometimes shown as "Vimiera" or "Vimeira" in contemporary British texts) on 21 August 1808, the British under General Arthur Wellesley (who later became the Duke of Wellington) defeated the French under Major-General Jean-Andoche Junot near the village of Vimeiro, near Lisbon, Portugal during the Peninsular War.
Bottom right: In the Battle of Roliça an Anglo-Portuguese army under Sir Arthur Wellesley defeated an outnumbered Imperial French division under General of Division Henri François Delaborde, near the village of Roliça in Portugal. The French retired in good order. Formerly spelled Roleia in English, it was the first battle fought by the British army during the Peninsular War.
For more info on the prints available go HERE
Top Right: The Battle of Talavera was fought just outside the town of Talavera de la Reina, Spain some 120 kilometres southwest of Madrid, during the Peninsular War. At Talavera, an Anglo-Spanish army under Sir Arthur Wellesley combined with a Spanish army under General Cuesta in operations against French-occupied Madrid.
Bottom Left: In the Battle of Vimeiro (sometimes shown as "Vimiera" or "Vimeira" in contemporary British texts) on 21 August 1808, the British under General Arthur Wellesley (who later became the Duke of Wellington) defeated the French under Major-General Jean-Andoche Junot near the village of Vimeiro, near Lisbon, Portugal during the Peninsular War.
Bottom right: In the Battle of Roliça an Anglo-Portuguese army under Sir Arthur Wellesley defeated an outnumbered Imperial French division under General of Division Henri François Delaborde, near the village of Roliça in Portugal. The French retired in good order. Formerly spelled Roleia in English, it was the first battle fought by the British army during the Peninsular War.
For more info on the prints available go HERE
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Affordable portrait prints remain popular. They tell us something about the subject and about how the subject wanted to be depicted. I regularly have buyers purchase small engraved portraits of eminent personages of. These engravings were engraved from authentic pictures in the galleries of the nobility and public collections of the country. Portraiture is such a vast genre, that there is bound to be something within it that you may like. It could be some historic family connection, military interest or simply an artistic appreciation for the portrait.
Above: Cardinal Wolsey after the original by Holbein in the collection at Christ Church, Oxford. Here engraved by W.T. Mote with the addition of later fine hand colour. Published: Portraits of Illustrious personages of Great Britain. Engraved from Authentic Pictures in the Galleries of the Nobility and the Public Collections of the Country. Edmund Lodge, Esq. F.S.A. c1835.
Thomas Wolsey was an English archbishop, statesman and a cardinal of the Catholic Church. When Henry VIII became King of England in 1509, Wolsey became the King's almoner. Wolsey's affairs prospered, and by 1514 he had become the controlling figure in virtually all matters of state.
Some collectors prefer coloured prints for decorative purposes or to display as they look more attractive coloured. Many people collect engraved prints that have been painted with additional watercolour after the engraving was produced. Because the approach of each water colourist in a sense produces a unique 'new work' its fair to say that the addition of colour gives the buyer a truly unique print. This may well be perfect as a gift or present for a loved one. If you're looking for a particular engraving of a historic personage feel free to drop me an email.
Happy Hunting!
The above engraved print is set within a 10" x 8" mount ready for framing. You can see more portrait prints HERE.
Thomas Wolsey was an English archbishop, statesman and a cardinal of the Catholic Church. When Henry VIII became King of England in 1509, Wolsey became the King's almoner. Wolsey's affairs prospered, and by 1514 he had become the controlling figure in virtually all matters of state.
Some collectors prefer coloured prints for decorative purposes or to display as they look more attractive coloured. Many people collect engraved prints that have been painted with additional watercolour after the engraving was produced. Because the approach of each water colourist in a sense produces a unique 'new work' its fair to say that the addition of colour gives the buyer a truly unique print. This may well be perfect as a gift or present for a loved one. If you're looking for a particular engraving of a historic personage feel free to drop me an email.
Happy Hunting!
The above engraved print is set within a 10" x 8" mount ready for framing. You can see more portrait prints HERE.