1720 Christoph Weigel Antique Map Britain “Insulae Britannicae Antiquae”

1720 Christoph Weigel Antique Map of Britain – Insulae Britannicae Antiquae – Roman Coin Cartouche

An original early 18th-century copperplate engraved map of the British Isles, titled Insulae Britannicae Antiquae ex collatione veterum Geographorum et Historicorum, published in Nuremberg circa 1720 by Christoph Weigel and associated with the historical scholarship of Johann David Köhler.

This map presents ancient Britain through the lens of classical geography, incorporating Roman-era place names and regional divisions across England, Scotland, and Ireland. It is especially noted for its striking engraved cartouche, composed of numismatic medallions depicting figures, deities, and symbols drawn from Roman and early British coinage—a defining feature of Weigel’s atlas work.

Issued as part of Descriptio Orbis Antiqui, this example represents the standard and most desirable atlas state, bearing the full Weigel imprint (accurante Christophoro Weigelio). The engraving is sharp and well-preserved, with all decorative elements fully realized.

Printed on period laid paper, with a clearly visible plate mark and original outline hand coloring. The central fold is as issued.

Condition:

Attractive, collector-grade example. General age toning, light foxing, and expected fold line from original atlas binding. Margins appear intact. The impression remains strong, and the cartouche is particularly well-preserved and visually striking.

Dimensions:

18 1/2 x 15 1/2

A highly decorative and historically engaging map, combining classical scholarship with baroque engraving—well suited for collectors of British cartography, classical antiquity, or early 18th-century atlases.