Old Map of Abyssinia
Price range: £35.55 through £59.95
Abyssinia
An informative early map of Abyssinia detailing the source of the Nile river.
Size
UK delivery just £4.95 per order · International delivery available.
Fine Art Map Reproductions – Museum-Quality Printing
Unlike most online offerings, our maps are produced entirely in-house, not outsourced to print-on-demand or drop-shipping services. This allows complete control over quality while offering better value. Each map begins with a high-resolution original, carefully enhanced and printed to order using archival papers and pigment inks for exceptional clarity, depth, and longevity. Every piece is personally overseen — no map leaves our workshop unless it is of a quality we would be proud to display ourselves.
Authentic Old Map Paper & Accurate Colour Reproduction
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!
Buy Old Maps Online in the UK Today Trading online since 1999
The Old Map Company of Great Britain offers a vast and carefully curated collection of the very finest expertly reproduced vintage maps. Our range includes works by renowned cartographers such as John Speed and Willem Blaeu, covering Scotland, England, and beyond. UK delivery is just £4.95 per order, with EU, USA, and worldwide shipping available at cost and calculated at checkout. If you need assistance, our team is always happy to help you choose the perfect map.
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
Verified ownerThank you for your prompt service. I have a gallery and framing business in South Wales. I'm so pleased it is printed in the UK
Verified ownerMy Isles of Scilly map arrived safely and I'm delighted with it!
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!
Verified ownerMany thanks, Lauren. Very pleased with the map and the service: would recommend The Old Map Company to anyone interested in Old Maps.
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.
Verified ownerJust arrived, wonderful map! Thanks very much!
Verified ownerThe map – beautiful – arrived safely, very many thanks.
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
Coronelli gives the Nile a central place in this map of Abyssinia. A large lake, labelled Tzana and Dembea, occupies the western highlands, while a tall inset on the right follows the river northwards towards Egypt and the Mediterranean. The main map and inset invite the viewer to compare a regional account of the headwaters with a much longer river system.
Map Details
- Original title: Abissinia dove sono le Fonti del Nilo
- Cartographer: Vincenzo Maria Coronelli
- Publication: Venice, circa 1690; the Bibliothèque nationale de France catalogues a 1690 issue
- Area: Abyssinia and neighbouring regions, with a Nile inset
Lake Tana is recognisable beneath its historical names, although its exaggerated outline and islands belong to the mapmaker’s representation. The river emerging from this highland setting relates to the Blue Nile. The broader question of the Nile’s sources should not be reduced to this one lake: the sheet records a particular stage in European understanding of a river system with several major branches.
Rows of shaded mountains cross the main panel, separating named districts such as Tigre, Amhara and Shoa. The Red Sea coast appears towards the upper right. Rivers and regional names receive more emphasis than a uniform network of roads, and the large lettering across Abyssinia helps hold the crowded geography together.
The title credits earlier written accounts used in compiling the map. Coronelli was presenting information assembled from those reports rather than claiming a personal survey of the country. The framed inset likewise announces its concern with the river’s origin and course. At the foot of the sheet, the ornate dedication and separate scale panel give a formal decorative balance to the mountainous landscape.
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