Original antique map of the Holy Land with an inset of Canaan and an elaborate title cartouche.
From Euler's “Atlas Geographicus Omnesorbis Terrarum Regiones”.
This map, titled "Tab. geogr. Palaestinae," was created by Leonhard Euler in 1753 and is part of an atlas published by the Royal Prussian Academy of Sciences. It is a hand-coloured copperplate engraving on two sheets typical of mid-18th century cartographic works.
It is included in the "Atlas Geographicus Omnes Orbis Terrarum Regiones," specifically designed for educational use, and is engraved primarily by Nicolaus Friedrich Sauerbrey.The colours outline the political and administrative divisions of the region, enhancing the clarity of the various territories depicted. Relief is shown pictorially, which was a common practice before the development of contour lines.The map features a decorative title cartouche in the lower right corner, which is richly embellished with baroque elements. The style of the map reflects the 18th-century European cartographic tradition, with detailed attention to geographic and political features. The map illustrates the region of Palestine, with detailed demarcations of the ancient tribal territories of Israel. It highlights various geographic features, including mountains, rivers, and principal towns. Key landmarks include the Mediterranean Sea ("Das Mitteländische Meer"), the Dead Sea, and the Jordan River. The map also shows political boundaries and is divided into the tribal lands of the Israelites, such as Judah, Benjamin, and Ephraim.This map is part of an atlas published during the Enlightenment, a period marked by a surge in scientific inquiry and exploration. Euler, primarily known for his contributions to mathematics and physics, extends his scholarly influence into geography through this work. The map was produced for educational purposes, reflecting the era’s focus on disseminating knowledge.The inclusion of Hebrew tribal divisions indicates an interest in biblical geography, which was a significant aspect of scholarly study during this time. The map serves both as a tool for understanding contemporary geography and as a means of exploring historical and biblical narratives.The inset map, titled "Conspectus terrae Canaan uti a priseis incolis fuit inhabitata" provides additional context on the habitation of the land by its ancient inhabitants.This map is significant for its combination of scientific rigour and artistic presentation. It reflects the Enlightenment ideals of knowledge dissemination and the intersection of science, art, and education. Euler's involvement underscores the interdisciplinary approach of the time, where scholars often contributed to various fields beyond their primary expertise.In summary, the "Tab. geogr. Palaestinae" is a noteworthy example of 18th-century cartography, combining historical and biblical interest with the scientific and artistic standards of its time. It offers insights into both the geography of Palestine and the scholarly pursuits of the Enlightenment era.
