Kingdom of Poland

Geographical Layout and Hydrography of Sixteenth-Century Eastern Europe

This antique Renaissance engraving displays a rare and influential regional map focused on the Kingdom of Poland, the Duchy of Moscow, and surrounding territories.
The composition charts an extensive network of winding river systems flowing across the plains, connecting internal landscapes to the Black Sea visible at the bottom.
Distinct topographic mountain ranges and historical regional names like Samogesthia, Moldavia, and Pomerania organize the vast layout of the territory.

Decorative Inscriptions and Detailed Renaissance Cartographic Elements

The right margin contains a highly detailed vertical text box that functions as the informational key and dedication for the entire print.
Finely etched lines cover the maritime spaces to illustrate waves, accompanied by classic European sailing vessels charting the coastal waters.
Dozens of handwritten local place names, small pictorial tree clusters, and ancient boundaries represent the high-quality craftsmanship of Venetian printmaking from 1562.