Historic Map : Manuscript Map of Europe, 1823, Vintage Wall Art

An unusual and beautiful semi-manuscript map of the europe dating to 1823. The printed portion of this map follows the cartography of James Wyld and includes the basic outlines of the countries, latitude and longitude lines, the Arctic circle and the Meridian of London. The remainder of the map, including all textual labels and color work, had been completed in manuscript, that is to say, hand drawn. Wyld most likely produced this map intentionally without labels for use as a classroom workbook by which children could learn geography by filling in the blanks.

The manuscript geographical data and detail throughout is altogether outstanding. The work is completed in a fine hand adept at decorative text and the rendering of rivers and mountains. The geography follows the conventions of the period. europe is accurately mapped representing the borders established following treaties that formally ended the Napoleonic Wars. Italy, although consolidated into a single country well after this map was drawn, is here represented as a single entity.

An altogether unique and wonderful one of a kind find.