A pair of large decorative world map prints produced as twentieth-century reproductions on a gold-toned metallic foil substrate. The first map is after Willem Janszoon Blaeu, titled Nova Totius Terrarum Sive Novi Orbis Tabula. It features a double-hemisphere world view with an upper border displaying equestrian portraits of European monarchs including Charles II of Spain and Louis XIV of France, centred around a portrait of Pope Innocent XI. The base of the print includes a comprehensive descriptive text panel titled BLAEU WALL MAP. The second map is after Moses Pitt, titled Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis Geographica ac Hydrographica Tabula. This map uses the Mercator projection and is surrounded by elaborate decorative borders. These borders depict celestial figures at the top, the four elements on the left, the four seasons on the right, and the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World along the bottom margin. A printed caption at the base reads From an original engraving by Moses Pitt in 1681. Both items are uniformly presented in wooden frames with a thin gold-coloured inner slip, set within charcoal grey mounts and glazed.
Condition report:
Both maps remain in good decorative condition. The metallic foil surfaces show minor surface undulations and light creasing inherent to the material and mounting process. The frames exhibit light wear and minor scuffing to the edges consistent with age and handling.
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