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Description

A Scarce Map of the Eastern Tip of Iceland

This is a detailed Danish-language navigational chart of Fáskrúðsfjörður, a small inlet along Iceland's eastern coast. Detail on the map is extensive, showing soundings, rocks, anchorages, settlements, and more. Other abundant information on the map includes two insets showing a cross-section of the fjord and a sketch Skruden island as seen from the southeast. A very detailed paragraph in Danish explains the approaches to take to enter the fjord. The map includes a decorative cartouche and compass rose.

This map was made by the frigate captain J. P. Wleugel, after a long hiatus in the mapping of the Icelandic coastline. Wleugel created a series of very specific maps of major fjords which were of great use to seafarers who often sailed into these inlets, usually for shelter or resources. In addition, Wleugel adapted a map of the whole coastline, though this was significantly less detailed and accurate.

As shown on this map, several settlements existed throughout Fáskrúðsfjörður at the time this map was created. Several of these still exist, and a town named Fáskrúðsfjörður at the top of the fjord grew substantially after a hospital was built to serve French fishermen. The area is attractive, framed by Iceland's magnificent terraced coastal ranges.

This map exists in several Danish and Icelandic institutions, though this is the first time we have seen it on the market. Originals of all of Wleugel's maps exist in the Danish Hydrographic Office. This map was originally printed on the same sheet as a map of Seyðisfjörður. It appears that this map was sold separately, as two copies in institutional collections have a price noted in the lower right-hand corner.

The Early Mapping of Coastal Iceland

Iceland was one of the last places in Europe for which detailed maps were produced. One of the most influential maps of Iceland first appeared in 1590 in Ortelius's atlas and was attributed to an earlier map, supposedly by Bishop Gudbrandur Thorláksson. This would become the dominant portrayal of Iceland for well over a century. By the mid-17th century, the Danish government, which maintained a trade monopoly with Iceland, realized the need for improved coastal charts. Nothing would happen until Magnus Arason was assigned the role in 1721 and told to map the whole coast. He, of course, failed in this immense task, though he made some progress before drowning in 1728. Several other cartographers were employed to fulfill the role, but a political dispute prevented the publication of all the works made during this period, and these would not be published until the 1750s.

The period 1776 to 1778 saw important modernizations in the mapping of Iceland. Hans Erik Minor was sent to survey coasts, harbors, and fishing grounds. He produced useful maps of areas most commonly used in shipping. He spent two summers mapping before drowning. At the same time, frigate captain J. P. Wleugel undertook the mapping of several fjords along the eastern coast of Iceland.

Minor's and Wleugel's maps were incredibly useful, giving ample detail regarding the most well-traveled areas. However, much of the coast remained to be mapped. It would take until Bjorn's maps of the 1830s and 1840s to produce a satisfactory map of the whole country and coastline.

Condition Description
Cut close to margin along top.