c1750 - ' REGNUM HIBERNIAE tam Seeundum IV Provincias Principales ULTONIAM, CONNICIAM, LAGENIAM, MOMONIAM quam speciales accuratae designata studio et sumptibus Tobiae Conradum Lotteri.... '

A finely coloured example of Lotter's decorative map of Ireland, coloured by regions and showing towns, roads, counties, rivers, lakes, castles, and more. Ireland is visible in its entirety, divided into its four provinces: Ulster in the north, Connacht in the west, Leinster in the east, and Munster in the south. Part of Galloway, the Isle of Man, and Cornwall are all also shown. The map includes two marvellous cartouches, coats of arms, and allegorical details.

The contrast between the two coats of arms is interesting. The one on the bottom left shows the Celtic Harp, a symbol of Ireland, and is framed by pastoral scenes, including shepherds with their flocks and fishermen. The other coat of arms is in the upper left, this is the coat of arms of the United Kingdom and it is framed by a much more regal and powerful scene, including the English lion and the Scottish unicorn. The balance of power is clearly evident; this leaves the impression of looking at a minor constituent kingdom rather than a nation among equals.

That being said, the attention to detail on the map is extensive. The many place names provided allow for a fascinating picture of how Ireland stood in the mid-18th century. Particularly interesting is the fact that the only religious institutions shown appear to be those of the Church of Ireland. Evidence from this comes from the archbishop seat shown at Armagh, which was only regularly occupied by the Primate of Ireland in the Church of England. The map was made during the Protestant Ascendancy, a period in which Catholics were increasingly persecuted and Protestants controlled almost all the power. Intriguingly, Dublin is not shown as being the seat of an archbishop, though it was at the time. Lotter used an earlier plate from a Seutter circa 1740 map to make this present example.

Approx 64cm x 53cm including margins with central fold as issued. Combination of original hand colour and additional later colour (cartouche). Blank on verso. Outstanding condition.

Tobias Conrad LOTTER (1717-1777) was a German engraver and publisher from Augsburg. He worked with his father-in-law, Georg Matthaeus Seutter who he succeeded him in 1756. After inheriting half the copper plates from Seutter, he set up his own publishing house in 1758. He was succeeded by his brother Andreas, his sons Matthaeus Albrecht, Georg Friedrich the elder and Gustav Conrad, and his grandsons Gabriel and Georg Friedrich the younger.