{"product_id":"mercator-russia-map-1634-hondius","title":"Mercator–Hondius Map of Russia 1634","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"402\" data-end=\"412\"\u003eA rare and historically significant 17th-century map of Russia and surrounding regions, drawn from the Mercator–Hondius atlas tradition and published in the 1634 Dutch edition of \u003cem data-start=\"593\" data-end=\"641\"\u003eAtlas ofte Afbeeldinghe vande gantsche weerldt\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"646\" data-end=\"903\"\u003eThis work represents one of the earliest systematic European attempts to map Muscovy and the vast territories of Eastern Europe and Asia, combining Mercator’s original geographic framework with the refined engraving and commercial reach of Henricus Hondius.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"905\" data-end=\"908\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"910\" data-end=\"923\"\u003eKey Details\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"925\" data-end=\"1221\"\u003eTitle: Russia cum confinijs\u003cbr data-start=\"952\" data-end=\"955\"\u003eCartographer: Gerard Mercator (1512–1594)\u003cbr data-start=\"996\" data-end=\"999\"\u003ePublisher: Henricus Hondius (1597–1651)\u003cbr data-start=\"1038\" data-end=\"1041\"\u003eDate: 1634\u003cbr data-start=\"1051\" data-end=\"1054\"\u003eOrigin: Amsterdam\u003cbr data-start=\"1071\" data-end=\"1074\"\u003eMedium: Hand-coloured copperplate engraving\u003cbr data-start=\"1117\" data-end=\"1120\"\u003eFormat: Original atlas folio, centre fold as issued\u003cbr data-start=\"1171\" data-end=\"1174\"\u003eDimensions: approx. 18.5 × 21 inches (fold-out)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1223\" data-end=\"1226\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1228\" data-end=\"1244\"\u003eScholarly Note\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1246\" data-end=\"1570\"\u003eThis map belongs to the first generation of true atlases, a term introduced by Mercator himself. Unlike many contemporary mapmakers who compiled existing material, Mercator’s approach was rooted in original geographic synthesis. Hondius later republished and expanded these works, bringing them to a wider European audience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1572\" data-end=\"1917\"\u003eThe present map captures a transitional understanding of Eurasia. “Moscovia” is shown as the dominant political identity, while vast eastern regions remain labelled as “Tartaria,” reflecting the limits of Western geographic knowledge at the time. River systems are emphasised, underscoring their importance in early trade and exploration routes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1919\" data-end=\"2069\"\u003eThe inclusion of a regional inset further distinguishes this plate, providing enhanced detail and demonstrating editorial refinement within the atlas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2071\" data-end=\"2074\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2076\" data-end=\"2087\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2089\" data-end=\"2311\"\u003eGood overall condition for a 17th-century atlas map.\u003cbr data-start=\"2141\" data-end=\"2144\"\u003eExpected centre fold.\u003cbr data-start=\"2165\" data-end=\"2168\"\u003eLight age toning and occasional foxing.\u003cbr data-start=\"2207\" data-end=\"2210\"\u003eMinor signs of handling consistent with a fold-out plate.\u003cbr data-start=\"2267\" data-end=\"2270\"\u003eColours remain strong and well preserved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2313\" data-end=\"2344\"\u003ePlease review images carefully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2346\" data-end=\"2349\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2351\" data-end=\"2363\"\u003eProvenance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2365\" data-end=\"2559\"\u003eFrom the 1634 Dutch edition of Mercator’s atlas, published by Henricus Hondius in Amsterdam.\u003cbr data-start=\"2457\" data-end=\"2460\"\u003eThis edition represents one of the earliest and most influential printed atlases of the modern era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2561\" data-end=\"2564\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2566\" data-end=\"2589\"\u003eCollector Positioning\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2591\" data-end=\"2793\"\u003eThis is not a decorative reproduction or later derivative. It is a foundational cartographic work from the Mercator–Hondius lineage, widely regarded as one of the cornerstones of early modern mapmaking.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lumenrare Antique Prints \u0026 Maps","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57168477880703,"sku":"LR-MH-RUSSIA-1634","price":995.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0951\/8356\/9279\/files\/mercator-hondius-map-of-russia-1634-1387683.jpg?v=1774064836","url":"https:\/\/lumenrare.com\/products\/mercator-russia-map-1634-hondius","provider":"Lumenrare Antique Prints \u0026 Maps","version":"1.0","type":"link"}