Antique Blaeu Map of Styria in Southeastern Austria, 1600s

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This is an antique map of Styria (referred to as “Stiria” or “Steyrmarck”), published by the renowned Dutch cartographer Willem … Read more This is an antique map of Styria (referred to as “Stiria” or “Steyrmarck”), published by the renowned Dutch cartographer Willem Janszoon Blaeu (often simply “Blaeu”). The first edition of this map was produced in 1634. It is a copperplate engraving on paper, printed during a period when Blaeu’s workshop was producing high-quality atlases and individual maps that were prized for their accuracy, artistic quality, and decorative style. Like many Blaeu maps, this one is known for its fine engraving, detailed depiction of the region’s terrain, and elegant cartouche. The use of original hand-coloring makes the different territorial divisions and landscape features more distinguishable and aesthetically pleasing. It was not uncommon for Blaeu’s maps to have text on the reverse side, and the presence of Dutch text on the verso suggests it may have been part of one of Blaeu’s Dutch editions of his atlases or map collections. "Styria" (in German "Steiermark") is a region located primarily in southeastern Austria. Historically, it was a duchy in the Holy Roman Empire and later part of the Austrian Empire. Today, most of Styria lies within the borders of modern Austria, where it is one of the country’s nine federal states. Its capital city is Graz, Austria's second-largest city. A smaller portion of the historic Styria extends into present-day Slovenia. Overall, the map’s condition is good, and has been well-preserved. The paper shows slight age-toning or minor irregularities typical for an artifact of this era, but the coloring and engraving detail remain clear and vibrant. As a result, it stands as both a valuable historical document and a fine example of 17th-century Dutch cartographic art. See less