Antique Map of French Heritage, 1600s

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"Ducatus Turonensis - Touraine," is a original antique historical map of the Touraine region, which is located in the heart … Read more "Ducatus Turonensis - Touraine," is a original antique historical map of the Touraine region, which is located in the heart of France, centered around the city of Tours. Created by the Blaeu family, specifically Willem Blaeu and his son Joan Blaeu, it was first published in 1631, with this particular version coming from the 1635 edition of their famed atlas "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum." The map is a fine example of copperplate engraving, a technique where an artist etches a design onto a smooth copper plate. This plate is then used to print the image on paper. The size of the maph is quite substantial, allowing for a significant amount of detail to be included. Touraine itself is known for its rich history, being the garden of France due to its vineyards and fruit orchards that line the banks of the Loire River. It's also famous for its Renaissance châteaux, which dot the landscape. The region has been inhabited since antiquity and was of considerable importance during the Renaissance period, which is likely reflected in the towns, rivers, and topographic details meticulously presented on the map. The verso of the map contains French text, which would have provided historical and geographical s of the region to the map's users. This text serves as a narrative companion to the visual representation of the landscape. As a piece from "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum," which was one of the most comprehensive and elaborately decorated atlases of the time, the map stands as a testament to the Blaeu's dedication to cartographic detail and artistic presentation. Their work represents a high point in the Golden Age of Dutch cartography, a period when the Netherlands was at the forefront of trade, science, and art. See less