County map of Oxfordshire with illustrated borders showing the arms of the University colleges. Two Oxford dons support the title cartouche and the map is also emblazoned with a large royal coat of arms. On the verso is a description of the county in Latin, along with a slightly misplaced illustration of Stonehenge.
Geographically, this map is based on John Speed’s map of 1611, which in turn is based on the geography of Christopher Saxton, who produced the first printed map of the county. The design and placement of the armorial shields is again based on Speed’s map; however, the engraving, colouring, and overall aesthetic of the map is very much in the Blaeu style.
Original hand colour. Latin edition (image of verso available on request).