Ireland (1610)

Highly decorative map of Ireland, engraved in Amsterdam by Jodocus Hondius, for an early edition of Speed's Theatre of Great Britain. Speed's map is considered perhaps the best depiction of Ireland of its time. Engraved by Jodocus Hondius, the map is a true work of art, combining great detail with artistic flourishes, including a compass rose, cherubs, ships, sea monsters, the Royal coats of arms, and vignette depictions of The Gentleman of Ireland; The Gentlewoman of Ireland; The Civill Irish Woman; The Civill Irish man; The Wilde Irish Man; The Wilde Irish woman/ A superb rich impression . The sea is engraved in the style made famous by Hondius and is best appreciated in the early states, before the effect is lost as delicate engraving of this type soon wore smooth. The map was re-issued many times in Speed's atlases and as a separate publication. English text on verso. Bearing the names Sudbury and Humble. A gorgeous example, from an early edition of the atlas, still bearing the date of 1610.