Bound as two volumes in contemporary red morocco gilt, its plates and plans finely coloured and gilt heightened throughout, an exceptional example of Joan Blaeu’s celebrated 17th century townbook of the Netherlands was offered in a recent American sale.
Sold a little under estimate for $230,000 (£180,780) at Christies New York (25/20/12.5%) on December 4, this copy of the third, Latin text edition of 1649-52 is thought likely to have been intended for presentation to Philip IV of Spain, said the cataloguer.
The work is illustrated with 228 engraved maps, plans and views, most of which are double-page and all of which exhibit contemporary, gilt-heightened colouring.