AUSTRIA – ORIGINAL STEEL ENGRAVED MAP

Price: £55.00
Cartographer: J. Rapkin
Publisher: John Tallis
Publication Date: Not dated but c.1851
Format: Original steel engraving with early or original hand-colouring
Condition: In very good condition, unframed
Sheet Size: c. 37.1cm x 26.7cm

Condition:

A very short closed tear to the upper margin has been professionally repaired on the reverse. Minor age-toning, marks, spotting, and creasing, but generally very bright and clean with good margins. The map presents a very good, strong impression, and overall is in very good, bright, and clean condition.

Description:

John Tallis’s map of Austria is a fine example of his work, showcasing the intricate detail and decorative artistry for which he is known. This map was part of “The Illustrated Atlas, and Modern History of the World,” published in the early 1850s, and it depicts Austria during a period when the Austrian Empire was one of the major powers in Europe.

• Geographical Coverage: The map covers the Austrian Empire as it existed in the mid-19th century, including modern-day Austria and its various territories in Central and Eastern Europe. This includes regions that are now part of Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and parts of Italy, Poland, and the Balkans.
• Vignettes and Decorative Elements:
  • Vignettes: Surrounding the map are several vignettes depicting scenes of Austrian life, architecture, and notable landmarks.
  • Borders: The map features Tallis’s signature decorative border, adding to its appeal as both a cartographic document and a piece of art.
• Cartographic Detail:
  • The map is detailed, showing major cities, towns, rivers, and mountain ranges. It accurately represents the political boundaries of the time, reflecting the Austrian Empire’s influence in Europe.
  • Important roads and routes are included, useful for understanding the geography and logistics of the era.
• Historical Context:
  • Produced during a period when the Austrian Empire was a key player in European politics, particularly in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars and the lead-up to the revolutions of 1848.
  • The map’s depiction of the Empire’s vast and diverse territories highlights the complexity and multi-ethnic composition of Austria at the time.
• Artistic and Historical Value:
  • Tallis’s “Austria” map is valued for its blend of artistic beauty and historical significance, providing a snapshot of the Austrian Empire at a time when it was a dominant force in European affairs.

John Tallis’s map of Austria stands out as a work that not only provides valuable geographical information but also serves as a decorative piece, reflecting the aesthetic and cartographic standards of the mid-19th century. It remains a prized item for collectors and historians alike.

John Tallis: A Short Biography

John Tallis (1817–1876) was an English cartographer and publisher, best known for his decorative maps and atlases produced during the mid-19th century. His works are renowned for their intricate and aesthetically pleasing designs, which have made them highly sought-after.

• Early Life and Career:
  • Birth: John Tallis was born in 1817 in Stourbridge, Worcestershire, England.
  • Career Beginnings: Tallis started his career in publishing in the 1830s, initially focusing on general publishing. By the 1840s, his interest in cartography grew, and he established himself as a significant figure in the production of maps and geographical materials.
• Tallis’s Major Works:
  • “The Illustrated Atlas” (1851): Tallis is most famous for “The Illustrated Atlas, and Modern History of the World,” published in the early 1850s. This atlas was notable for its geographical accuracy, elaborate vignettes, and artistic embellishments.
  • Collaborations: Tallis often collaborated with other cartographers and engravers, including John Rapkin, who was responsible for many of the artistic embellishments in Tallis’s maps. Rapkin’s engravings are a hallmark of Tallis’s work, adding distinct visual appeal.
• Legacy and Impact:
  • Cartographic Style: Tallis’s maps are characterised by their decorative borders and the inclusion of elaborate scenes and vignettes, catering to the Victorian era’s interest in exploration and the exoticism of foreign lands.
  • Influence: Although his work was not as scientifically advanced as some of his contemporaries, Tallis’s maps were widely admired for their aesthetic qualities. They became popular not only as educational tools but also as decorative items for homes and workplaces.
• Later Life and Death:
  • Business Difficulties: Despite his early success, Tallis faced financial difficulties later in life due to the rapid changes in the publishing industry and the rise of cheaper, more practical maps.
  • Death: John Tallis passed away in London in 1876. Despite his later struggles, his maps and atlases remain some of the most distinctive and well-regarded cartographic works of the 19th century.

John Tallis’s legacy lives on through his beautifully designed maps, admired for their artistic detail and historical significance, capturing a world that was rapidly expanding and becoming more interconnected.

John Rapkin: A Short Biography

John Rapkin was a prominent English engraver and mapmaker during the 19th century, best known for his collaboration with John Tallis in producing highly decorative and detailed maps. Rapkin’s work is particularly noted for its artistic qualities, combining accurate cartographic detail with elaborate decorative elements, including borders, vignettes, and scenes of local interest.

• Key Aspects of John Rapkin’s Work:
  • Collaboration with John Tallis: Rapkin’s most famous work comes from his partnership with John Tallis. He was the primary cartographer and engraver for many of the maps in Tallis’s atlases, which were known for their decorative and informative maps appealing to both the general public and collectors.
  • Ornate Borders and Vignettes: Rapkin’s maps are distinguished by their elaborate borders and vignettes, often depicting scenes relevant to the region shown on the map, making them particularly appealing and collectible.
• Accuracy and Detail:
  • Despite the decorative elements, Rapkin’s maps were noted for their accuracy and attention to detail, carefully depicting geographical features with precision typical of the steel engraving process.
• Historical Context:
  • Rapkin’s maps were produced during a period of significant exploration and colonial expansion, reflecting European interest and engagement with the wider world during the 19th century.
• Notable Works:
  • “Tallis’s Illustrated Atlas and Modern History of the World” (1851): This is one of the most famous atlases containing Rapkin’s maps, covering various regions of the world with decorative scenes highlighting the culture and history of the area.

Rapkin’s contribution to cartography lies in his ability to blend precise geographical information with artistic expression, making his maps not only useful tools for understanding the world but also beautiful works of art.

Location: Map Drawer C: FS: Folder 1009: 002296

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