Historic Urban Plans, Inc.

10/30/2024

10/23/2024

Matthias Seutter's map of colonial North America (ca. 1730) sneaks some social commentary on the so-called Mississippi Bubble investment scheme into its stunning and elaborate title cartouche. Drawn by Gottfried Rogg and engraved by M. Rhein, it shows a precariously perched Fortuna pouring jewels and riches forth, while cherubs issue worthless stock and blow symbolic bubbles. Disconsolate investors try to fling themselves from trees and impale themselves on swords. It's a grimly satirical scene, all the more striking in this vibrant color example from our archives.

08/30/2024

Among the many treasures in Auction 199 is an early impression of one of the most sought-after maps of the Emerald Isle, John Speed's The Kingdome of Irland (Lot 399). It shows the traditional dress of three tiers of Irish society: the "Gentleman" and "Gentlewoman," the "Civill" folk, and the "Wilde" ones.