Rare Old Map of Hesse by Ortelius, 1574: Fulda, Würzburg, Rivers, Mountains, Cartouche

The "Bvchaviae, sive Fvldensis Ditionis Typvs" is a captivating historical map crafted by the renowned cartographer Abraham Ortelius in 1574. This map, a part of Ortelius' seminal work, Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, which is celebrated as the first modern atlas of the world, offers a detailed depiction of the Fuld region in Germany. The map's intricate design and old color style provide a glimpse into the geographical and political landscape of the 16th century, showcasing Ortelius' exceptional cartographic skills and artistic sensibilities.

Ortelius, a pivotal figure in the history of cartography, revolutionized the way maps were created and perceived. His work on Theatrum Orbis Terrarum set new standards for accuracy and comprehensiveness in mapmaking. The "Bvchaviae, sive Fvldensis Ditionis Typvs" is a testament to his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to blend scientific precision with artistic beauty. The map not only serves as a geographical guide but also as a piece of art, with its decorative cartouche and compass rose adding a touch of elegance.

The map highlights the Fuld region's rich topography, including its forests, mountains, and rivers. The stylized representation of wooded areas and mountain ranges, along with the prominent depiction of rivers, provides a vivid picture of the natural landscape. The borders of different regions, marked with dashed lines, offer insights into the political boundaries of the time. This detailed portrayal of both physical and political geography makes the map an invaluable resource for understanding the historical context of the region.

Several notable cities and towns are marked on the map, reflecting the region's historical significance. In Hesse, we find Fulda, Gersfeld, Hünfeld, and Schlitz, while Saxony features Vacha and Bad Salzungen. Henneberg County is represented by Meiningen, and Franconia includes Würzburg and Schweinfurt. These settlements, each with its own unique history, contribute to the map's rich tapestry of human habitation and development. The inclusion of these towns underscores the map's role as a comprehensive guide to the region's urban landscape.

The artistic elements of the map, such as the decorative cartouche and compass rose, enhance its visual appeal and historical value. The cartouche, with its ornate design, serves as a focal point, drawing the viewer's attention to the map's title and date. The compass rose, with its vibrant colors and intricate design, not only aids in navigation but also adds a touch of sophistication. These features, combined with the map's detailed representation of the landscape, make it a prized possession for collectors and history enthusiasts alike.

Cities and towns on this map

• Hesse (Hassiae Pars)
• Fulda
• Gersfeld
• Hünfeld

• Schlitz

• Saxony (Saxoniae Pars)

• Vacha

• Bad Salzungen

• Henneberg County (Henneberg comitatus pars)

• Meiningen

• Franconia (Franciae Ducatus pars)

• Würzburg
• Schweinfurt

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Forests and wooded areas are depicted with clusters of trees.
• Mountain ranges are illustrated with stylized peaks.
• Rivers are prominently shown, flowing through the region.
• Decorative cartouche in the lower left corner.
• Compass rose in the lower right corner.
• Scale bar in the bottom center.
• Borders of different regions are marked with dashed lines.
• Artistic representation of terrain, including hills and valleys.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Bvchaviae, sive Fvldensis Ditionis Typvs
• When the map was made: 1574
• Mapmaker or publisher: Abraham Ortelius
• Ortelius was a notable cartographer and geographer of the 16th century.
• He is known for creating the first modern atlas, Theatrum Orbis Terrarum.
• Topics and themes shown on the map:
• Detailed political and physical map of the Fuld region in Germany.
• The map highlights political boundaries, physical geography, and settlements.
• Countries and regions shown on the map:
• Fuld region in Germany.
• Parts of Hesse (Hassiae Pars) and Saxony (Saxoniae Pars).
• Henneberg County (Henneberg comitatus pars) and Franconia (Franciae Ducatus pars).
• Design or style of the map:
• Decorative cartouche and compass rose.
• Old color style typical of 16th-century maps.
• Detailed and artistic representation of geographical features.
• Historical significance or context:
• Part of the first modern atlas, Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, which revolutionized cartography.
• Reflects the geographical and political understanding of the 16th century.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.