Maps, Spain, España, Granada, Murcia, Bleau??

"Granata et Murcia Regna"

Hand-colored copper etching. Published by Willem Janszoon Blaeu First published in Amsterdam, 1642

This map was probably published in a book (and definately not in Blaeu's atlas)

While appearance and measurements are exact, It differs from the original Blaeu map on several counts: Paper is clearly ca. 1720. Explanitory text on reverse side is missing. Map has several vertical and horizontal folds to fit a smaller book size.

We have discussed this with several high-class colleages, none of whom knew the answer to the question: Who published this map? Since the plate was in the possession of the Blaeu family and their heirs, the map must have been printed in the house. Was a privileg given to someone? Did an employee print with or without permission? I myself and none of the juditious and experienced colleages I asked has seen such a map before.

Reverse side has in black hand-written ink: N. 192 in the style of writing as was habitual around 1700.

Be it as it is, it seems to be rather a rare piece.

Map shows Southern Spain from just west of Gibraltar to Alicante on the Mediterranean and on a line north of the river Guadalquivir Sevilla via Cordoba - Andujar - Montiel. The North African coastline is shown from Tanger to east of Oran.

Condition: As mentioned several horizontal and vertical folds. Horizontal centerfold has been reenforced.

Upper margin has two repaired holes.

37,5 x 49,3 cm ( 14.7 x 19.4 ")