Russia, Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Scandinavia... N. Visscher, 1683, Moscovia seu Russia Magna generalis tabula qua laponia,Norvegia,Suecia,Dania, Polonia

Large folio sized spectacular map of Eastern and Northern Europe, showing the area between the Baltic Sea, the Polar Sea, the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.

At the center of this map lies the Tsardom of Russia. In the cartouche flanked by putti on the right edge, it is labelled "Moscoviae seu Russiae Magnae." This is the first map on which Russia is titled "Greater Russia." The term "Muscovia" refers to the Tsardom, but this designation was used exclusively by Europeans; in Russia itself, the name was completely uncommon.

The depicted territory extends far into Europe; in the south, the northern coast of Turkey is visible. The Black Sea is called Pontus Euxinus, in the ancient style. The Caspian Sea, in its depiction, suffered from a lack of research by European surveyors and cartographers, which is why it appears rather peculiar.

In the north of the map, text passages fill the blank spaces on and around Novaya Zemlya. In 17th-century cartography, this stylistic device was often used as a "gap filler" when geographical information was lacking.

Map made by N. Visscher II, published in Amsterdam around 1683.

Excellent condition. Some minimal age browning in the margins. Clear and crisp paper. Central fold, as issued. Very wide margins.

Image 41,5x52,5cm, sheet 51x59,5cm