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This richly detailed map by Matthäus Seutter depicts the Duchy of Mecklenburg and its subdivisions, with a focus on the Duchy of Vandalia, the Dominion of Rostock, and the Stargard region, based on a precise and contemporary geographic survey.
Centered on the Baltic coastline between the Elbe and Oder rivers, the map captures one of the key territories of the Holy Roman Empire's northern reaches during the early 18th century. Prominent coastal features include the Baltic Sea ("Mare Balticum" or "Die Ost See") and the island of Rügen, while inland the map reveals an intricate patchwork of towns, fortified cities, rivers, forests, lakes, and political borders.
Seutter’s work exhibits a highly decorative style typical of the Augsburg school, with finely engraved topographical detail and vibrant hand-coloring to distinguish the various administrative divisions. Major urban centers such as Rostock, Schwerin, Wismar, and Neubrandenburg are prominently indicated, alongside a dense network of smaller settlements and estates. The cartouche in the upper left is elaborately illustrated, featuring allegorical figures representing maritime commerce, military strength, and justice, alongside the ducal arms of Mecklenburg.
Matthäus Seutter (1678-1757) was a prominent German mapmaker in the mid-eighteenth century. Initially apprenticed to a brewer, he trained as an engraver under Johann Baptist Homann in Nuremburg before setting up shop in his native Augsburg. In 1727 he was granted the title Imperial Geographer. His most famous work is Atlas Novus Sive Tabulae Geographicae, published in two volumes ca. 1730, although the majority of his maps are based on earlier work by other cartographers like the Homanns, Delisles, and de Fer.
Alternative spellings: Matthias Seutter, Mathaus Seutter, Matthaeus Seutter, Mattheus Seutter
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