• Title : Kaarteje Van Het Hertogdom Silesia
• Ref #:  35635
• Condition: (A+) Fine Condition
  
• Size: 10 1/2in x 8in (265mm x 205mm)
• Date : 1791
• Price: $149US

 Description:
This original hand coloured copper plate engraved antique map of Upper and Lower Silesia, with an inset map of the city of Breslau was engraved by G. Delisle for JB Elwe & D M Langeveld in 1791.

General Definitions:
Paper thickness and quality: - Heavy and stable
Paper color : - off white
Age of map color: - Original
Colors used: - Yellow, green, blue, pink
General color appearance: - Authentic
Paper size: - 10 1/2in x 8in (265mm x 205mm)
Plate size: - 10in x 7in (255mm x 180mm)
Margins: - Min 1/2in (12mm)

Imperfections:
Margins: - None
Plate area: - None
Verso: - None

Background:
Silesia is a historical region located in Central Europe, primarily encompassing areas that are now part of modern-day Poland, Germany, and the Czech Republic. Its history is complex and marked by various political and cultural shifts. Here is a concise overview of the history of Silesia:
Ancient and Medieval Periods:
The region of Silesia was inhabited by various tribes, including the Celts and later the Germanic tribes.
In the 9th century, the area came under the control of the emerging Polish state.
The region witnessed territorial conflicts between Poland, Bohemia (part of the Holy Roman Empire), and other neighboring powers throughout the medieval period.
Bohemian and Habsburg Rule:
In the 14th century, the Kingdom of Bohemia gained control over most of Silesia.
Silesia became part of the Habsburg Monarchy in the 16th century after the House of Habsburg inherited the Bohemian crown.
The Habsburgs ruled over Silesia for several centuries, during which the region experienced economic growth and cultural development.
Prussian and German Influence:
Following the War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748), the Kingdom of Prussia, led by Frederick the Great, gained control of a significant portion of Silesia.
Prussia's annexation of Silesia sparked conflicts with Austria and contributed to the broader geopolitical tensions in Europe.
Silesia became an integral part of Prussia and later the German Empire, experiencing industrialization and urbanization during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Post-World War I and World War II:
After Germany's defeat in World War I, the Treaty of Versailles (1919) redrew the borders of Europe, and the majority of Silesia was incorporated into the newly reestablished Poland.
The region witnessed significant ethnic and political tensions between its German and Polish populations.
Following World War II, the Potsdam Conference (1945) awarded most of Silesia to Poland, resulting in the expulsion of the German population and the resettlement of Poles.
Modern Period:
Since the end of World War II, Silesia has remained divided between Poland, Germany, and the Czech Republic.
The Polish part of Silesia, known as Upper Silesia, has become an important industrial and mining region.
The German and Czech parts of Silesia have experienced economic growth and cultural revitalization, with efforts to preserve the region's heritage.
Today, Silesia serves as a symbol of shared history and cultural diversity, with each country that possesses parts of the region contributing to its unique identity.

Elwe, J B
Johann Balthasar Probst, known as J.B. Elwe, was a German publisher and map seller who operated during the late 18th century. He was born in Nuremberg, Germany, in 1727 and later moved to Amsterdam, Netherlands, where he established himself as a prominent cartographer and publisher.
Elwe is known for publishing and distributing maps, atlases, and geographical works, including reprints and editions of earlier cartographic works by notable mapmakers such as Gerard Mercator, Abraham Ortelius, and Jodocus Hondius. He also produced his own maps and atlases, often based on the latest geographic knowledge of the time.
Elwe's publications were known for their decorative elements, including elaborate title cartouches, ornate borders, and vibrant hand coloring. His maps covered various regions, including Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
J.B. Elwe's cartographic business flourished during the late 18th century, and he gained a reputation for the quality and aesthetic appeal of his maps. However, precise details about his personal life and the extent of his contributions to cartography are not widely available.

Please note all items auctioned are genuine, we do not sell reproductions. A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) can be issued on request.