A fine example of two Christopher Weigel atlases bound as one volume. One book, the modern world atlas in sixteen maps (world, continents, and European nations) by Johan David Koehler (sometimes Köhler), bound with Weigel's wonderful classical atlas, itself with 44 maps.
Atlas Manualis Scholasticus et Itinerarius
The Weigel-Koehler Atlas Manualis... comes in a variety of configuration from smaller (the present example has 16 maps) to larger (we have seen examples with over 100 maps). The atlas includes the attractive, dense small folio cartography that Koehler and Weigel were known for.
Descriptio Orbis Antiqui
Weigel's Descriptio Orbis Antiqui is an atlas of classical maps, most of which incorporate medallions or coins relating to the region depicted in the map. Beginning with a map of the entire ancient world and one of Europe, it includes several European countries as well as Asia and Africa, with maps of Arabia, Persia, Syria, Palestine, and Egypt. The plans show the cities of Rome, Athens, and Jerusalem as well as the camp of the Israelites in the Sinai Desert.
Johann Christoph Weigel (1654-1725), sometimes known as Christop Weigel the Elder, was a notable German engraver, art dealer, and publisher, renowned for his contributions to the fields of cartography and illustration during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Born in 1654 in the city of Redwitz, in the Margraviate of Bayreuth, Weigel embarked on a career that would place him among the prominent figures in the world of European printmaking.
Weigel's early life and training are somewhat obscure, but it is known that he was active in Nuremberg, a city renowned for its vibrant artistic and cultural scene. Nuremberg was a hub for artists, craftsmen, and publishers, and it was here that Weigel honed his skills and established his reputation. He married the daughter of the prominent engraver and publisher Johann Christoph Lochner, which further integrated him into the thriving artistic community of Nuremberg.
His work encompassed various subjects, including maps, historical scenes, portraits, and scientific illustrations. Weigel's maps are particularly notable for their detail and accuracy, reflecting the growing interest in geography and exploration during his time. His cartographic works often combined practical utility with artistic embellishment, making them valuable for both navigational purposes and as works of art.
One of Weigel's significant contributions was his involvement in the production of the Atlas scholasticus et itinerarius, a comprehensive world atlas that was widely used in educational settings. This work demonstrated his skill in synthesizing geographical information into accessible and informative maps.
In addition to his cartographic endeavors, Weigel produced a vast array of illustrations for books on various subjects, ranging from history to natural science. His illustrations were known for their clarity and detail, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge in an era when visual representations were crucial for understanding complex ideas.
Weigel's legacy is that of a versatile and skilled engraver and publisher who contributed significantly to the visual culture of his time. His works provided practical information and reflected the late Baroque period's intellectual and artistic currents. Christoph Weigel passed away in 1725, leaving behind a body of work that continues to be appreciated for its artistic merit and historical value.