Early allegorical map of Great Britain and Ireland, with part of north western Europe published during the English Civil War (1642-1651) and Bohemian Civil War.

The map is peppered with illustrations of fighting troops and across Europe, a panorama depicts the Battle of Prague in 1620, reflecting Hollar's Bohemian origins. There are 17 inset illustrations with corresponding cryptic rhyming couplets, lettered A to Z, describing the political events in England and abroad.

Wenceslaus Hollar (1607-1677) was a prolific Bohemian artist and engraver. He resided in Prague until 1627, and then moved to study as an apprentice under renowned Swiss engraver Matthäus Merian in Frankfurt.
In 1636 he attracted the attention of English nobleman and collector, Thomas Howard, the 2nd Earl of Arundel. Arundel had Hollar transported to London and employed him to create a visual inventory of his collection and etch copies of his artworks.

Hollar continued publishing and engraving works for Arundel, but by 1640 he began to achieve independent recognition. His work covereed a variety of subjects from topographical views and maps to copies of paintings. He also created work for other patrons, publishers and in collaboration with artists.

Around 1647, Hollar executed one of his most famous works, "The Prospect of London and Westminster taken from Lambeth" - one of the largest and most detailed depictions of London from the 17th century.

Framed. [GB1949]