Russia cum Confinijs

A very fine example of the first map of Russia by Gerard Mercator. First published in 1595 in his famous Atlas. Mercator's attention to detail established a new standard for Russian maps, influencing subsequent cartographers.

In the West from Scandinavia to the Ob River, including Prussia, parts of Denmark, and the eastern regions of Poland and Hungary. To the north, the Sea of Murmansk dominates, while the Black Sea coast lies to the south. The Volga and Don Rivers, marked by mountain ranges just beyond, form the southeast boundary. At the lower right an inset map titled Russiae Pars Amplificata, offers a closer look at the Moscow region, emphasizing its importance for Western European merchants. The map is adorned with informative notes, suggesting new names and providing insights. A Latin text describes the Mari people of the Volga River valley.

This beautiful example comes from the French edition of the Mercator-Hondius Atlas of 1633, printed from the same plate used for the 1595 atlas. French text on verso.

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Russia - Mercator, Gerard - Russia cum Confinijs