Items Similar to Map of Zurich and Basel Region by Mercator, Uncolored Engraving c.1600
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 11
Map of Zurich and Basel Region by Mercator, Uncolored Engraving c.1600
About the Item
Map of Zurich and Basel Region by Mercator, Uncolored Engraving c.1600
This original uncolored copperplate engraving, titled *Zurichgow et Basiliensis Provincia*, was created by the renowned cartographer Gerardus Mercator and published around 1600 in Amsterdam. The map presents a beautifully detailed rendering of the Swiss regions surrounding Zurich, Basel, and Lucerne, offering a rare early cartographic view of this alpine territory during the Renaissance.
Mercator, one of the most influential figures in the history of cartography, was born in Rupelmonde, Flanders in 1512 and educated in Louvain under the esteemed astronomer and mathematician Gemma Frisius. His scholarly rigor and precise engraving style earned him the patronage of Emperor Charles V. However, his Protestant sympathies led to charges of heresy during the Catholic persecution of Lutheran reformers. After a narrow escape from serious consequences, Mercator relocated to Duisburg in 1552, where he devoted the rest of his life to mapping, scientific instruments, and the production of his famous atlas.
The *Zurichgow et Basiliensis Provincia* map features a rich network of rivers, forests, and mountains depicted in stylized hachures typical of late 16th-century engravings. Key cities such as Zürich, Basel, and Lucerne are prominently marked, as are numerous small towns and geographic landmarks. This map was included in later editions of Mercator's *Atlas sive Cosmographicae*, the first modern atlas. After Mercator's death, his son Rumold carried on his legacy, and in 1604, the plates were acquired by Jodocus Hondius. Hondius and his sons expanded and reissued Mercator’s work, dominating European map publishing well into the mid-17th century.
This sheet is a fine example of early Swiss regional cartography, steeped in both artistic beauty and historical importance. The absence of color allows viewers to appreciate the delicate linework and engraving techniques of Mercator’s workshop.
Condition Report:
Uncolored engraving on laid paper, with even age toning and light spotting near the upper center. Vertical centerfold as issued. Minor edge wear but no tears or repairs. One brown spot, but strong impression and paper in stable condition.
Tips for Framing:
Frame in dark wood or gold-leaf with a cream or ivory archival mat to match the paper’s tone and enhance the historical lines. Avoid bright colors. Museum glass is recommended to protect the antique paper from light and moisture.
- Dimensions:Height: 17.52 in (44.5 cm)Width: 21.66 in (55 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:Paper,Engraved
- Period:Early 17th Century
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1600
- Condition:Good uncolored engraving on laid paper, with even age toning and light spotting near the upper center. Vertical centerfold as issued. Minor edge wear but no tears or repairs. One brown spot, but strong impression and paper in stable condition.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-13667-11stDibs: LU3054345323802
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Gold Seller
Premium sellers maintaining a 4.3+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2017
2,462 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Langweer, Netherlands
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllMap of Northwestern Switzerland (Basel and Zurich Region) by Willem & Jan Blaeu
Located in Langweer, NL
Map of Northwestern Switzerland by Willem & Jan Blaeu (Circa 1650)
This is a detailed map of Northwestern Switzerland, specifically depicting the region between Basel and Zurich, cr...
Category
Antique 1650s Maps
Materials
Paper
$883 Sale Price
30% Off
Antique Map of England by Mercator/Hondius, circa 1600
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Westmorlandia, Lancastria, Caernvan, Denbigh, Flint, Merionidh, Dalopia cum issulis Mania et Anglesey'. Original antique map of England...
Category
Antique 16th Century Maps
Materials
Paper
$883 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Map of the Southern Lorraine Region by Mercator, c.1625
By Gerard Mercator
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Lotharingiae Ducatus'. Old map of the southern portion of the Lorraine region, France. Lorraine is a cultural and historical region in north-eastern France, now l...
Category
Antique 17th Century Maps
Materials
Paper
$269 Sale Price
20% Off
Map of the Region of Basel and Northern Switzerland by Ortelius, circa 1603
Located in Langweer, NL
Two original antique maps on one sheet titled 'Basiliensis Territorii Descriptio Nova [with] Circulus sive Liga Sueviae'. The first centers on Basel, Switzerland, located on the Rhine River...
Category
Antique Early 17th Century Maps
Materials
Paper
$511 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Map of the Region of Poitou by Ortelius, circa 1600
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Poictou'. Original antique map of the region of Poitou, a former province of west-central France whose capital city was Poitiers. Published by A. Ortelius, circa ...
Category
Antique Early 17th Century Maps
Materials
Paper
$558 Sale Price
20% Off
Very Old Original Hand-Colored Map of the Basel Region, Switzerland, Ca.1578
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Basiliensis territorii descriptio nova'.
Old map of the Basel region, Switzerland. Originates from 'Theatrum Orbis Terrarum' by A. Ortelius.
Artists and...
Category
Antique 16th Century Maps
Materials
Paper
$679 Sale Price
20% Off
You May Also Like
17th Century Hand-Colored Map of Southeastern England by Mercator and Hondius
By Gerard Mercator
Located in Alamo, CA
A 17th century copperplate hand-colored map entitled "The Sixt Table of England" by Gerard Mercator and Jodocus Hondius, published in Amsterdam in 1635 in 'Cosmographicall Descriptio...
Category
Antique Mid-17th Century Dutch Maps
Materials
Paper
Southeastern Ireland: A 17th Century Hand Colored Map by Mercator and Hondius
By Gerard Mercator
Located in Alamo, CA
A 17th century copperplate hand-colored map entitled "The Second Table of Ireland, Udrone" by Gerard Mercator and Jodocus Hondius, published in Amsterdam in 1635 in 'Cosmographicall ...
Category
Antique Mid-17th Century Dutch Maps
Materials
Paper
Northern Scotland: A 17th Century Hand-colored Map by Mercator
By Gerard Mercator
Located in Alamo, CA
This is a framed hand-colored 17th century map of Northern Scotland by Gerard Mercator entitled "Scotiae pars Septentrionalis", published in Amsterdam in 1636. It is a highly detailed map of the northern part of Scotland, with the northwest Highlands and the cities Inverness and Aberdeen, as well as the Orkney Islands and the Hebrides. There is a decorative title cartouche in the upper left corner.
The map is presented in an antiqued brown wood...
Category
Antique 1630s Dutch Maps
Materials
Paper
Northern Scotland: A 16th Century Hand-colored Map by Mercator
By Gerard Mercator
Located in Alamo, CA
A framed hand-colored 16th century map of Northern Scotland by Gerard Mercator entitled "Scotiae pars Septentrionalis", published in Amsterdam in 1636. It is a highly detailed map of the northern part of Scotland, with the northwest Highlands and the cities Inverness and Aberdeen, as well as the Orkney Islands and the Hebrides. There is a decorative title cartouche in the upper left corner.
The map is presented in an antiqued brown wood...
Category
Antique 16th Century Dutch Maps
Materials
Paper
Framed Mercator Hondius Hispania Nova Atlas Minor Map
Located in Stamford, CT
Framed colored example of this decorative and important minature map. Newly framed in brown wood frame with gold trim.
Mercator Hondius “Atlas Minor” pu...
Category
Antique 17th Century Dutch Spanish Colonial Maps
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
1625 Mercator Map of the Provenience of Quercy, "Quercy Cadvrcivm Ric.0013
Located in Norton, MA
1625 Mercator map of the provenience of Quercy, entitled
"Quercy Cadvrcivm,"
Ric.0013
" Authentic" - Map of the provenience of Quercy Cadvrcivm
D...
Category
Antique 17th Century French Maps
Materials
Paper
