Antique map of Ukraine from 1740
Amplissima Ucraniae Regio
Original title: The widest region of Ukraine covering the Kyiv and Braclav Counties
Year of publication:
Around 1740
Place of publication:
Augsburg, Germany
Author:
Matthäus Seutter (1678–1757)
Size:
50 x 59 cm
Provenance:
purchased at Winterberg Kunst auction (Germany)
Artifact Category:
Antique map of Ukraine, 18th century
Historical Significance
Artistic Value
This antique map of Ukraine was created around 1740 in Augsburg by the famous German cartographer Matthäus Seutter, who was the official cartographer of the Holy Roman Emperor.
The map focuses on the Kyiv and Braclav regions, shown here as the “widest region of Ukraine.”
It’s one of the most detailed European maps of the 18th century and shows that people in Europe clearly understood where Ukrainian lands were and how they were structured.
This map helps us understand the roots of Ukrainian identity and how the nation was seen at that time.
The map Amplissima Ucraniae Regio stands out thanks to its beauty and attention to detail. It was made using the best techniques of 18th-century German mapmakers. The colors are vivid, and the lines are very clear.
One of the most eye-catching parts is the decorative cartouche in the top corner. It shows people, animals, and objects that represent power, nature, and life in Ukraine at the time.
The borders, rivers, roads, and cities are all drawn with great care. These details help us feel what life was like in Ukrainian lands almost 300 years ago.
Description
Condition
The map was made using the copperplate engraving method — it was engraved on a copper sheet and then partly hand-colored.
This method allowed for high precision but produced only a limited number of copies. Usually, no more than 100–300 high-quality prints were made. After that, the copper plate would lose sharpness and couldn't be used anymorе.
This original copy of the Amplissima Ucraniae Regio map is in very good collectible condition, especially considering its age of nearly 300 years.
It is printed on laid paper (a typical 18th-century paper with a textured grid) and partly colored by hand.
The visual quality is excellent: the colors are still bright, and the printed lines are clear.
The map has a flattened center fold with slight signs of past folding. The lower edge shows some faint water marks and tiny edge tears, which are common for maps of this age.