Antique Map of Persia and the Safavid Empire by Cluver and Jansson, 1676
DESCRIPTION: Original antique map of Persia, titled “Sophorum Regnum,” published in Amsterdam in 1676 in Philipp Cluver’s Introductionis in Universam Geographiam.
This charming small-format map depicts the Safavid Persian Empire and the surrounding regions, extending from the Caucasus and Caspian Sea southward to the Persian Gulf and east toward northern India. Parts of Mesopotamia and the Arabian Peninsula are also shown.
Despite its compact size, the map contains an impressive amount of geographical detail, with numerous towns, villages, rivers, mountain ranges and regional names carefully engraved throughout. The Caspian Sea appears in its characteristic early cartographic form as a broad horizontal oval.
A decorative strapwork cartouche in the lower right contains the title “Sophorum Regnum.” The surviving hand coloring enhances the coastlines, boundaries and cartouche while retaining the elegant appearance of the engraved sheet.
Cluver’s Introductio in Universam Geographicam became one of the most influential geographical works of the 17th century and appeared in numerous editions across Europe. This map comes from the Amsterdam edition published by the heirs of Johannes Janssonius, incorporating maps derived from the Jansson and Cloppenburgh traditions of the Atlas Minor.
A highly attractive small antique map of Persia and the Safavid Empire, particularly suitable for collectors of Iran, Middle Eastern history and 17th-century cartography.
CREATOR
Philipp Cluver / Johannes Janssonius
PUBLISHER
Heirs of Johannes Janssonius, Amsterdam
DATE
1676
SOURCE
Introductionis in Universam Geographiam
MEDIUM
Copper engraving with hand color on laid paper.
DIMENSIONS
Approximately 7.5 × 5.9 inches (19.1 × 15 cm).
CONDITION
Very good antique condition. Dark, strong impression on a bright sheet. Minor toning along the sheet edges and a couple of small stains in the blank margins. Please examine the photographs carefully for condition.
STYLE: Baroque / Dutch Golden Age Cartography
SUBJECT: Persia; Iran; Safavid Empire; Caspian Sea; Persian Gulf; Mesopotamia; Arabia; India; Middle East.
NOTES: An original antique map published in 1676, not a modern reproduction. Sold unframed.
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