HESSEL GERRITSZ (c. 1581–1632) Tabula Russiae ex autographo, quod delineandum curavit Foedor filius Tzaris Boris desumta... [Map of Russia, based on the original drawing commissioned by Feodor, son of Tsar Boris...]. Amsterdam, 1650.

Sheet 55 x 63 cm; sight 42.5 x 54 cm. Copper engraving, coloured in watercolour. Latin commentary on the reverse. In excellent condition. Reissue of the famous map of Muscovy by Fyodor Borisovich Godunov, regarded as one of the first maps of Russia, published by the Dutch cartographer Hessel Gerritsz (ca. 1581-1632) in Amsterdam in 1613. From the ‘Atlas Novus’ (also known as ‘Theatrum Orbis Terrarum’) issued by Willem (1571-1638) and Joan Blaeu (1596-1673) in 1634. The next edition of this map appeared in 1662 in the ‘Atlas Maior’. The map is based on Hessel Gerritsz’s rare and important map of Russia, compiled from manuscripts brought back by Isaac Massa. In the upper left corner is an inset plan of Moscow with a 17-point key; this inset was enlarged and issued by Blaeu as a separate sheet in 1662. The map also has a large title cartouche with military motifs, several sailing ships, a compass rose and three streltsy, as well as a detailed bird’s-eye view of Arkhangelsk, Russia’s only northern port before the founding of St Petersburg. Borders and names of states, principalities and lands, defensive lines and the settlements of peoples are marked. Additional plan of Moscow with a key: ‘Celeberrima Ingens et imperialis civitas Moscva’ (The glorious great and imperial city of Moscow). Vignettes: ‘Habitus Russorum’ (figures in Russian national dress); ‘Russche Narva sive Ivanagorod’ (view of Narva, or Ivangorod); ‘Archangel sive Archangeska-gorod’ (view of Arkhangelsk); ‘Curia Imperatoris Russi appellata Kremlens-gorod’ (view of the Kremlin); ‘Hypocausta Russorum’ (Russian bathhouse); ‘Molendina Russorum’ (mill).