This finely engraved, beautifully hand coloured original antique & uncommon map of Iceland - the first to show the city of Rekjavik - by Professor Jon Eriksson (Erichsen, Erichsen) was engraved by the Dane I G Fridrich in 1780 - the date is engraved in the title - and was published in the book Oeconomisk Reise igiennem.
Maps of Iceland have captured the cartographic imagination for centuries. The first significant map of the island was published by Abraham Ortelius in 1574. This map published some 200 years later contained cartographical detail the extent of which had not been seen the 16th century.

In 1776 the Danes initiated a scientific expedition to Iceland, with a view to exploring the island for fishing opportunity and harbour-building. Ólafur Olavius was chosen for the trip. He travelled all over the country for three summers and wrote a book containing his observations. The book was called Oeconomisk Reise igiennem Island and it was accompanied by this new map of Iceland by Eriksson.  (Ref: M&B; Tooley)

General Description:
Paper thickness and quality: - Heavy & stable
Paper color: - White
Age of map color: - Early
Colors used: - Yellow, green, brown 
General color appearance: - Authentic 
Paper size: - 22 1/2in x 19in (570mm x 495mm)
Paper size: - 22in x 18in (560mm x 460mm)
Margins: - Min 1/4in (6mm)

Imperfections:
Margins: - Professional repair to to left right margin & border
Plate area: - Folds as issued, professional repair 5in into right side of image, no loss
Verso: - Re-enforced along folds

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