Title: Antique Map of Laconia, Sparta and Cythera by Ambroise Tardieu, 1825
Description: Original antique engraved and hand-coloured map of Laconia and the island of Cythera in southern Greece, engraved by Ambroise Tardieu for the atlas accompanying Jean-Jacques Barthélemy’s celebrated Voyage du jeune Anacharsis en Grèce.
Titled “La Laconie et l’Île de Cythère,” the map provides a detailed representation of the southeastern Peloponnese, the historic territory dominated by ancient Sparta.
Sparta, identified as Lacédémone ou Sparte, occupies a central position in the map. The surrounding Laconian landscape is represented in considerable detail, including the imposing mountain ranges of Taygetus and Parnon, numerous rivers, ancient settlements, temples, roads and coastal sites.
The map extends north into Arcadia and Argolis and south along the two characteristic peninsulas of Laconia to Cape Taenarum and Cape Malea. The gulfs of Messenia, Laconia and Argos are prominently identified.
At the bottom is the island of Cythera, strategically situated off the southern tip of the Peloponnese. The island was closely associated in classical mythology with Aphrodite and occupied an important position on ancient maritime routes.
The original outline colouring in green, pink and yellow highlights the ancient territorial boundaries and coastlines, complementing the finely engraved mountain ranges and topographical detail.
An especially attractive map for collectors interested in Sparta, Spartan history, the Peloponnese and classical Greece.
Creator / Engraver: Ambroise Tardieu
Title: La Laconie et l’Île de Cythère
Publication: Paris
Date: 1825
Technique: Engraving with original outline colour on paper
Plate: Pl. 31
Subject: Laconia, Sparta and Cythera, Peloponnese, Greece
Condition: Good antique condition with general age toning, scattered foxing and occasional small stains and marks. Old mounting or tape residue is visible along the upper margin, with some discoloration along the outer sheet edges. The original outline colouring remains attractive and the engraved image is strong and highly detailed. Please study the photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.
Original antique map. Not a modern reproduction.
Sold unframed. Any framed or interior images shown are for presentation and inspiration only.
Keywords: Sparta Map, Ancient Sparta, Laconia, Laconia Map, Lacedaemon, Spartan, Cythera, Kythira, Peloponnese, Ancient Greece, Taygetus, Mount Taygetus, Cape Malea, Cape Taenarum, Greek Islands, Aphrodite, Classical Greece, Ambroise Tardieu, Hand Coloured Map, Antique Greece Map, 1825 Map.
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