The Scarce Jansson Edition of a Remarkable Early View of London

[Johannes Janssonius]. LONDINUM VULGO LONDON. [Amsterdam: Jan Jansson, 1657]. Double-page engraved map with hand-coloring; Latin text to verso. Originally published in Braun & Hogenberg's Civitates Orbis Terrarum beginning in 1572, Jansson purchased many of the plates for that atlas and re-published them; for this view, although Jansson made no changes to the city itself, he removed the original title cartouche at the top and added a new one in place of the figures in the foreground; with two coats of arms, and a decorative title cartouche framed by two insets with text in Latin; presented matted and framed.

Sight size 13 1/2 x 19 5/8 in.; Frame dimensions 22 x 27 5/8 in.

From a Private Williamsburg, Virginia Collection

This detailed town plan includes the notable inclusion of Old St. Paul's Cathedral at the center, with the spire that was destroyed by fire in 1561. The cathedral was later demolished following the significant damage it suffered in the Great Fire of London. This cathedral, along with many other monuments and landmarks, is neatly labeled in the town view.

Not laid down; with centerfold, as issued, and a fairly subtle vertical crease; toning, a couple spots of foxing, and the lower margin with some separation at fold and small repairs to verso on either side of fold; slipping slightly within the frame; some wear to frame; not examined fully outside the frame. A spectacular example with bright color.

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