Europe: A Pictorial Map
Price range: £35.55 through £59.95
Europe: A Pictorial Map by Ernest Dudley Chase, 1939
Europe’s cities and landmarks fill this richly illustrated map, from Britain and the Mediterranean to Scandinavia and western Russia. Buildings, ships and architectural panels reward close inspection, while the strong red colouring gives the map a more serious historical purpose. This 1939 edition combines decorative cartography with a contemporary warning about Nazi Germany’s expansionist ambitions.
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Paper choice is essential to the authenticity of our maps. We use specially sourced 190gsm paper made in the UK from pure materials and traditionally pressed with natural woollen felts. This process creates a subtle, randomly textured surface that closely resembles an original antique document. Likewise the use of premium quality ink fully saturates the paper, producing remarkable clarity, depth, and historical character. Colour fastness and sharpness will remain good for in excess of 100 years!
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RECENT REVIEWS
Verified ownerGot there in time and loves it! Cheers David [Gift from US to UK]
Verified ownerThanks Lauren. We received it today - it's gorgeous! Thank you, Ellan
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The print arrived safely and we're delighted with it - a lovely reminder of our honeymoon 15 years ago.
Verified ownerI have just received them! I'm sure our clients will be pleased with them and there could be more projects off the back of this one where we can use more. [Interior Designers]
Verified ownerI just received my map of Ireland by Ewart today and, as usual, I am delighted by its quality. The crispness and fineness of detail is excellent and the colour reproduction surpasses my expectations. Please relay my thanks to Steve for another fine effort!
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Verified ownerMany thanks, the map arrived safely this morning, and I’m really pleased with it. A stunning reproduction, just as I had hoped. I will keep browsing your website, and may yet be tempted by more of your items! Have a great weekend.
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Verified ownerThank you, I have already found the map. It’s wonderfull! Good luck! Rasa
Verified ownerMy apologies for the very late reply. I wanted to reach out to thank you so much for rushing my order. My partner absolutely loved it. I am amazed with the service so that is a five-star from me. I wish you all the best.
Historical Background
Ernest Dudley Chase’s pictorial map of Europe first appeared in 1938. This 1939 version, carrying the imprint of King Features Syndicate, adds an overt political message: Germany is coloured red, with red lines extending across neighbouring territories to illustrate the expansionist ambitions described in the map’s explanatory panel.
Map Details
- Original title: Europe: A Pictorial Map
- Artist: Ernest Dudley Chase
- Edition shown: 1939
- Publisher: King Features Syndicate, Inc.
- Area shown: Europe and adjoining parts of North Africa and western Asia
- Notable features: Landmark drawings, architectural panels and a political colour overlay
Chase represents towns and cities through miniature buildings, making the continent a densely illustrated collection of recognisable places. Larger panels around the edges give additional attention to landmarks, including the Tower of London and buildings in Moscow.
The political overlay changes how these attractive details are read. The red lines express a contemporary interpretation of Nazi ambitions; they do not mark territory already conquered throughout the area shown. That distinction makes the map especially interesting as a record of the fears and public messaging surrounding Europe in 1939.