Germany - Britain and Ireland; Christoph Weigel - Great Britain and Ireland - 1721-1750

Original 18th-Century Map of the British Isles – Weigel, Nuremberg, c. 1745 – Hand-Coloured Copper Engraving
Description
A beautiful and highly decorative original 18th-century copper-engraved map of the British Isles, published in Nuremberg by the renowned German cartographic publisher Christoph Weigel, circa 1745.

This fascinating historical map depicts Great Britain and Ireland as they were understood in classical antiquity, combining the geographical knowledge of the ancient world with the refined cartographic techniques of the 18th century.

The map is particularly attractive for its delicate contemporary-style hand colouring, fine engraved details, classical Latin place names and striking allegorical decoration.
Cartographic and Historical Interest
Rather than presenting the British Isles according to contemporary political divisions, the map reconstructs the geography of Roman Britain and its neighbouring territories.

England is shown with the territories of ancient Celtic and British tribes, including the Brigantes, Iceni, Trinobantes and Canti. Ireland appears under its classical name Hibernia, while Scotland is identified with ancient Caledonia and its various tribal regions.

The map includes numerous historical geographical names derived from classical sources, particularly the geographical tradition of Claudius Ptolemy.

Especially interesting are the representations of the northern Scottish islands, the ancient names of rivers and settlements, and the geographical divisions of Britain before and during Roman rule.
Decorative Features
The upper right corner features a particularly charming allegorical composition: a winged figure sounding a trumpet and holding a large circular medallion inscribed “INSULAE BRITANNIAE.”

Inside the medallion appears a classical female figure, probably representing Britannia, seated beside a shield and holding a staff or standard.

Other remarkable features include:
- Beautifully engraved coastlines and islands, enhanced by delicate hatching.
- Original-style hand colouring in soft yellow, blue and rose tones.
- Detailed representations of ancient tribal territories, rivers, mountains and settlements.
- Numerous Latin inscriptions and classical geographical references.
- An elegant double-line ornamental border with geographical latitude markings.
Publication and Attribution
Publisher: Christoph Weigel, Nuremberg
Date: Circa 1745
Region: Great Britain, Scotland, Ireland and surrounding islands
Technique: Copper engraving with old hand colouring
Language: Latin
Period: First half of the 18th century

The map belongs to the tradition of historical and classical cartography associated with Johann David Köhler's geographical publications, issued in Nuremberg by Christoph Weigel and his publishing successors.
Condition
An attractive original antique engraving, preserved in good condition considering its age of approximately 280 years.

The sheet shows natural age-related toning, minor spotting, occasional handling marks and some light creasing. There are traces of an old fold, as well as minor wear and small imperfections along the outer paper margins.

The engraved image remains clear and detailed, and the historical colouring is particularly attractive. The decorative allegorical vignette is well preserved.

Please examine the detailed photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the condition description.
Collector's Appeal
An appealing example of 18th-century German cartography, combining historical scholarship, classical geography and decorative engraving.

Of particular interest to collectors of antique maps, British and Irish history, Roman Britain, historical geography and early modern prints.

The original antique sheet will be carefully packed to ensure safe international shipment.