| Method | Copper engraved with hand colour |
| Artist | Kip, William after Norden, John |
| Published | [London, 1637] |
| Dimensions | 280 x 348 mm |
| Notes |
An fine coloured impression of this important, detailed county map of Hertfordshire from William Camden's 'Britannia', engraved by William Kip after the 1598 map of the county by John Norden. William Camden's great Renaissance work 'Britannia' was originally published in Latin in 1586 with only a general map, providing a historical and topographical study of Great Britain. His stated intention was to "restore antiquity to Britaine, and Britain to his antiquity". Its popularity lead to numerous further editions in the late 16th century, with the 1607 printing the first to include a complete set of county maps and the last one to be published in his lifetime. The maps were mainly based on the surveys of Christopher Saxton and John Norden, and the engraving was shared between William Kip and William Hole. The maps were distinctively engraved, Hole's flamboyant style contrasting with the more formal calligraphy of his colleague. The 1607 edition was unique in that the maps were published with Latin text on the reverse. Saxton's habit of combining several counties into one map resulted in the 1607 printing of 'Britannia' gaining importance as it included the first separately printed representations of many of the English and Welsh counties. Three editions of the Kip and Hole maps may be found; the first is identifiable by Latin verso text (1607), the second (1610) lacks text while the third (1637) displays an engraved plate number. William Kip (fl. c.1585 - 1618) was a Dutch engraver, best known for his work on the series of English County Maps by Saxton, published in William Camden's Britannia. Most likely trained as a goldsmith and jeweller, Kip arrived in England in around 1585. John Norden (c. 1548-1625) was an English topographer and printmaker. He worked under the patronage of Queen Elisabeth I and James I as well as the Earl of Salisbury and the Duchy of Cornwall. He is best known for his series of English county maps, 'Speculum Britanniae', even though this work remained unfinished. Condition: Pressed centre fold as issued. Blank on verso. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £350.00 |
| Stock ID | 48459 |