Art

Highly decorative map of the Anglo Saxon Heptarchy is from the 1676 edition of John Speed's famous atlas of 1610-12 "The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britain", published in London by Bassett and Chiswell. The most striking features of the map are the borders that flank the main body of the map. On one side they graphically portray and illustrate the seven ancient Saxon kingdoms, together with their kings, at the time of their own respective conversions to Christianity. The opposite side, depicts the seven Saxon kingdoms with their respective kings when first established. Shields of the kingdoms, a compass rose and a delightful title cartouche further enhance and embellish this most wonderful and interesting map. Copperplate engraving with hand colour. Plate mark size: 38.5 x 51. cm. Very good condition.