Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10

Geological Map of Europe by A.K. Johnston – Mountains and Valleys 1852

About the Item

Geological Map of Europe by A.K. Johnston – Mountains and Valleys 1852 This elegant 1852 map titled "The Mountains, Table Lands, Plains & Valleys of Europe" was designed by the acclaimed Scottish geographer Alexander Keith Johnston and published by William Blackwood & Sons, Edinburgh and London. Issued as Plate 5 in Johnston’s pioneering work *The Physical Atlas of Natural Phenomena*, this map presents a physical topographic view of Europe with a focus on land elevation and terrain structure, rather than political borders. Rendered in soft shades of beige, green, and blue, the map clearly delineates Europe’s major mountain ranges, including the Alps, Pyrenees, Carpathians, Apennines, and the Scandinavian Mountains. Valleys, upland plateaus, and lowlands are carefully shaded and labeled, giving a three-dimensional sense of the landscape. The careful use of hachuring and color gradients creates a tactile impression of Europe’s relief, from the Scottish Highlands to the Ural Mountains. Rather than showing countries, the map categorizes the land by geological and geomorphological features. The title and key in the lower right explain the distinctions between highlands, tablelands, and low plains, emphasizing natural geography over human boundaries. This approach reflects the 19th-century scientific movement toward thematic cartography—maps made not to navigate or govern, but to understand physical phenomena. Alexander Keith Johnston (1804–1871), Geographer in Ordinary to the Queen for Scotland, was one of the most respected mapmakers of the Victorian era. His *Physical Atlas* was a groundbreaking work in visual science, and among the first to systematically map climate, geology, hydrology, and landforms across the globe. This plate is a beautifully executed example of early data visualization and remains highly relevant for collectors of antique scientific prints, students of European geography, or those seeking refined decorative maps for libraries, studies, or offices. Condition and framing tips: Very good antique condition with minor toning and slight edge wear. The print retains sharp detail and gentle original coloring. Best displayed in a black or walnut frame with a warm ivory or soft grey mat to highlight the topographic textures and historic typographic style. Ideal for natural history interiors or scholarly settings.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 10.79 in (27.4 cm)Width: 13.59 in (34.5 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1852
  • Condition:
    Very good condition. Light overall toning near the margins. The paper remains strong and well-preserved. Folding line as issued.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-13207-51stDibs: LU3054345386522

More From This Seller

View All
Geological Map of Asia by A.K. Johnston – Mountains and Valleys 1852
Located in Langweer, NL
Geological Map of Asia by A.K. Johnston – Mountains and Valleys 1852 This finely engraved and hand-colored map titled "The Mountains, Table Lands, Plains & Valleys of Asia" was crea...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Scottish Prints

Materials

Paper

Geological Map of Africa by A.K. Johnston – Mountains and Valleys 1852
Located in Langweer, NL
Geological Map of Africa by A.K. Johnston – Mountains and Valleys 1852 This antique map titled "The Mountains, Table Lands, Plains & Valleys of Africa" was produced by the distingui...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Scottish Prints

Materials

Paper

Geological Map of South America by A.K. Johnston – Mountains and Valleys 1852
Located in Langweer, NL
Geological Map of South America by A.K. Johnston – Mountains and Valleys 1852 This antique map titled "The Mountains, Table Lands, Plains & Valleys of South America" was produced by...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Scottish Prints

Materials

Paper

Geological Map of North America by A.K. Johnston – Mountains and Valleys 1852
Located in Langweer, NL
Geological Map of North America by A.K. Johnston – Mountains and Valleys 1852 This finely detailed and beautifully shaded antique map titled "The Mountains, Table Lands, Plains & Va...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Scottish Prints

Materials

Paper

Geological Map of the British Isles by A.K. Johnston – Highlands & Valleys 1852
Located in Langweer, NL
Geological Map of the British Isles by A.K. Johnston – Highlands & Valleys 1852 This antique topographic map titled "The Mountains, Table Lands, Plains & Valleys of the British Isle...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Scottish Prints

Materials

Paper

Wind and Hurricane Map by A.K. Johnston – Meteorological Chart 1852
Located in Langweer, NL
Wind and Hurricane Map by A.K. Johnston – Meteorological Chart 1852 This scientifically significant 1852 map titled "The Distribution of the Constant, Periodical & Variable Winds Ov...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Scottish Prints

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

Original Antique Map of Europe, Arrowsmith, 1820
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great map of Europe Drawn under the direction of Arrowsmith. Copper-plate engraving. Published by Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme and Brown, 1820 ...
Category

Antique 1820s English Maps

Materials

Paper

Scandinavia & Portions of Eastern Europe: 18th Century Hand-Colored Homann Map
By Johann Baptist Homann
Located in Alamo, CA
An early 18th century hand-colored copper-plate map entitled "Regni Sueciae in omnes suas Subjacentes Provincias accurate divisi Tabula Generalis" by Johann Baptist Homann (1663-1724...
Category

Antique Early 18th Century German Maps

Materials

Paper

Southern & Eastern Europe: A Large 17th C. Hand-colored Map by Sanson & Jaillot
By Nicolas Sanson
Located in Alamo, CA
This large hand-colored map entitled "Estats de L'Empire des Turqs en Europe, ou sont les Beglerbeglicz our Gouvernements" was originally created by Nicholas Sanson d'Abbeville and t...
Category

Antique 1690s French Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of London by Thomas Moule and William Schmollinger
Located in Rochester, NY
Decorative engraved map of London by William Schmollinger for Moule's English County maps. Hand colored. Circa 1830's.
Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Prints

Materials

Paper

Vintage Map of Europe Italian Framed Print in Freijo Wood with Brass Rosettes
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Map of Europe Italian Framed Print in Freijo Wood with Brass Rosettes Offered for sale is a vintage map of Europe beautifully framed under glass in Brazilian freijo wood ado...
Category

Early 2000s Brazilian Prints

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Pair of Road Maps of England by John Ogilby
Located in Essex, MA
The first road maps of England. London to Holyhead and London to Carlisle. Nicely framed and matted. These are plates removed from a book. These are fir...
Category

Antique 1690s English Prints

Materials

Paper

Recently Viewed

View All