Map of Silesia by Martin Helwig

Map of Silesia entitled "M. Martin Helwigs Erste Land=Charte vom Herzogthum Schlesien" published in 1738. A late (1738) edition of Martin Helwig’s map of Silesia, first published in 1561. M. Helwig’s map was the best cartographic representation of Silesia in the 16th century, and as a result of its popularity there were numerous studies based on it and published throughout Europe for nearly 200 years. The 1738 edition, held by the Ossolineum, was created using the original 16th century woodcut blocks, thanks to which it presents all the features of the first edition. The Ossolineum copy is housed in a factice atlas, the major part of which consists of maps from the excellent Atlas of Silesia (Atlas Silesiae), published in 1752. The map in the factice atlas, map size 59 × 74 cm. Scale ca. 1:530 000, orientation south. The title of the map at the top right, in an ornamental cartouche with strapwork and Rollwerk motifs. In the top right corner is the Czech Coat of Arms and an explanation of 4 characters, in the bottom right corner is a linear scale, a coat of arms and three female figures. To the left of the scales is a rectangular cartouche with a note in German informing about the printer and the date of issue. In the left bottom corner of the map is a Polish coat of arms. At the edges of the map are decorations with scroll ornament and floral and animal elements, as well as coats of arms of Silesian dutchies.