This remarkable seventeenth-century hand-coloured engraving, titled 'Navigation', is the work of the renowned cartographer and publisher Richard Blome. Dating from approximately 1684, the piece serves as an elaborate celebratory dedication to George Legge, the Baron of Dartmouth. The upper portion of the engraving features a majestic galleon under full sail, its green canvases catching the wind as it navigates cresting waves. Below, a classical allegorical figure is depicted surrounded by the essential tools of the mariner’s trade, including a globe, compasses, and meticulously detailed sea charts.
The lower section of the work is dominated by a formal heraldic crest and a lengthy, elegant script detailing the various prestigious titles held by Baron Legge. The engraving showcases a sophisticated level of detail, with the hand-applied tints adding subtle depth to the maritime scene and the intricate decorative borders.
Presented in a simple black frame that allows the historical importance of the document to take centre stage, the piece displays a genuine aged character. The paper has mellowed to a warm, antique tone, and the glass reflects its long history with a slight surface patina. This engraving is not merely a decorative object but a fascinating historical record of Britain’s maritime heritage and the social hierarchies of the late seventeenth century.
Width: 25 Centimeters -
Height: 39 Centimeters -
