Post by Agora Old Prints and Maps

John Speed’s carte à figure map of the Roman Empire, titled: A New Mappe of the Romane Empire (London, 1676). We are pleased to announce that this exceptional 17th-century copperplate engraving has officially been SOLD and has moved into a private collection. John Speed’s celebrated ‘carte à figure’ map charts the golden age of the Roman Empire (Pax Romana) during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. The piece features ten traditional costume vignettes along its side borders and six detailed bird's-eye city views across the top edge—including a rare panoramic view of Constantinople. The open seas are embellished with finely engraved galleons and legendary sea monsters, while the geography highlights unique naming conventions of the era, such as the Mediterranean explicitly designated as "The Middle Land Sea." This genuine 1676 engraving was published in London by Thomas Bassett and Richard Chiswell for the final edition of Speed's renowned atlas, Prospect of the Most Famous Parts of the World. Cartographer: John Speed (1551/52–1629) Medium: Copperplate engraving with period-appropriate hand coloring Status: Sold / Agora Archive Based in Amsterdam, Agora Old Prints and Maps specializes in antique maps and prints, working closely with collectors and institutions worldwide. #AntiqueMaps #HistoryOfCartography #RomanEmpire #JohnSpeed #AgoraOldPrintsandMaps #RarePrints #ArtInvestment