Embark on a historical journey through the heart of Eastern Europe with the exquisite "Basse Volhynie, ou Palatinat de Kiow," a masterpiece crafted by the renowned mapmaker Nicolas Sanson in 1665. This map, a testament to Sanson's unparalleled skill and dedication, offers a window into the rich tapestry of political and physical geography of north central Ukraine, extending its reach northward to the borders with Belarus and Russia, and southward to the enchanting areas around Dnipro, Kropvnytskyi, and Torhovystya. The original title itself evokes a sense of intrigue and exploration, inviting the viewer to delve into the depths of history and geography as depicted by one of the 17th century's most prolific cartographers.
Nicolas Sanson, often hailed as the father of French cartography, was not just a mapmaker but a visionary who transformed the way the world was viewed in the 17th century. His meticulous attention to detail and commitment to accuracy are evident in every line and notation of this map. Created during the era of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, the map captures the essence of the Kiev Voivodeship, an area steeped in history and cultural significance. Sanson's work not only delineates the political boundaries of the time but also brings to life the physical landscape, with pictorial representations of relief and forests that invite the viewer to imagine the verdant expanses and undulating terrains of the region.
The map is a treasure trove of historical and geographical knowledge, detailing notable cities and towns such as Kiev, Poltava, Cherkasy, and Kremenchuk, along with the majestic course of the Dnieper River. It meticulously charts the intricate network of settlements from Berditschev to Zaslaw, each marked with precision, offering a glimpse into the bustling life of these regions in the 17th century. The inclusion of natural landmarks, such as the pictorial relief and forests, adds a layer of depth to the map, making it not just a tool for navigation but a piece of art that captures the essence of the landscape.
The map's detailed depiction of the political and physical landscape is drawn from the maps of Guillaume Levasseur de Beauplan, showcasing the collaborative spirit of the cartographic community in the pursuit of knowledge and exploration. Sanson's work is a testament to the enduring quest for understanding the world in all its complexity, from the delineation of borders to the mapping of natural phenomena. The map serves as a bridge between past and present, offering insights into the geopolitical dynamics of the time and the natural beauty of the region, meticulously captured through the art of cartography.
In essence, "Basse Volhynie, ou Palatinat de Kiow" is not just a map but a historical document that encapsulates the spirit of an era. It invites the viewer to embark on a journey through time, exploring the rich heritage and intricate geography of Eastern Europe under the guidance of Nicolas Sanson, a master cartographer whose work continues to inspire and enlighten. This map is a must-have for connoisseurs of history and cartography alike, offering a unique blend of artistic beauty and geographical precision that captures the imagination and transports the viewer to the heart of 17th-century Eastern Europe.
Cities and towns on this map
- Berditschev (Berdychiv)
- Bialacerkiew (Bila Tserkva)
- Braclaw (Bratslav)
- Chmielnik
- Czartorysk
- Czernihow (Chernihiv)
- Fastow (Fastiv)
- Gloczow (Hlohiw)
- Gluchow (Hlukhiv)
- Hadziacz (Hadiach)
- Jampol
- Kijow (Kiev)
- Koniecpol
- Korsun
- Kowel (Kovel)
- Krzemieniec (Kremenets)
- Lebedin (Lebedyn)
- Lokacze
- Lucko (Lutsk)
- Miropol
- Mozyr (Mazyr)
- Nemirow
- Nowogrodek (Navahrudak)
- Owrutsch (Ovruch)
- Perejaslaw (Pereiaslav-Khmelnytskyi)
- Pinsk
- Polonne (Polonne)
- Pryluki
- Rowny (Rivne)
- Sandomir
- Smila
- Starokonstantynow (Starokostiantyniv)
- Taraszcza (Tarascha)
- Tarnow
- Tulczyn
- Uman
- Wengrow
- Winnica (Vinnytsia)
- Wlodzimierz (Volodymyr-Volynskyi)
- Zaslaw
Notable Features & Landmarks
- North Poliske
- Chernihiv
- Northern Ukraine borders with Belarus and Russia
- Area around Dnipro, Kropvnytskyi and Torhovystya
- Kiev
- Poltava
- Cherkasy
- Kremenchuk
- Dnieper River
- Relief
- Forests
Historical and design context
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Title: Basse Volhynie, ou Palatinat de Kiow
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Date: 1665
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Mapmaker: Nicolas Sanson
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Publisher: Nicolas Sanson
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Topics: Political and physical geography
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Regions: North central Ukraine, extending north to the borders with Belarus and Russia, and south to the area around Dnipro, Kropvnytskyi and Torhovystya
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Countries: Ukraine, Belarus, Russia
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Design: Pictorial relief and forests
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Historical context: The map was created during the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, when the area was known as the Kiev Voivodeship.
Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.
This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.
This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 90in (230cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.
The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.
If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.
Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.
This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.