Rare Old Birdseye Map of Prague by Boisseau, 1648: Charles Bridge, St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague Castle, Vltava River, Old Town

The "Description De La Ville De Prague Siege et Metropolitaine Du Royaume De Bohesme," crafted by the esteemed Jean Boisseau in 1648, offers a rare and captivating glimpse into the heart of Prague during the mid-17th century. This exquisite bird's eye view map centers on the iconic Charles Bridge, an architectural marvel that has stood the test of time. With 122 meticulously identified locations, this map is a testament to Boisseau's unparalleled attention to detail and his dedication to capturing the essence of Prague's rich urban tapestry.

Jean Boisseau, a distinguished French cartographer and engraver, was renowned for his detailed city plans and maps. His works, including this rare view of Prague, are celebrated for their historical significance and artistic merit. Published in his extremely rare "Theatre des Citez, ou Recueil de Plusieurs Villes," this map is a composite of unique content, making each copy a valuable piece of history. Boisseau's legacy as a mapmaker is evident in the intricate details and the comprehensive depiction of Prague's landscape.

Prague, the capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia, is beautifully illustrated in this map, showcasing its significant neighborhoods and landmarks. The Old Town and Lesser Town are depicted with remarkable precision, highlighting the city's architectural splendor. Notable landmarks such as the St. Vitus Cathedral and Prague Castle stand prominently, reflecting the city's historical and cultural importance. The map also features various gates and fortifications, offering insight into the city's defensive structures during a tumultuous period in European history.

The Vltava River, a central feature of this map, gracefully winds through the city, connecting various districts and adding to the map's aesthetic appeal. The river has been a lifeline for Prague, influencing its development and serving as a vital trade route. Boisseau's depiction of the Vltava River, along with the bridges that span it, such as the Charles Bridge, underscores the river's significance in the city's daily life and historical narrative.

This map is not just a visual delight but also a historical document that captures the essence of Prague in 1648. The detailed illustrations of streets, public squares, and significant buildings provide a window into the city's past, offering a unique perspective on its urban planning and architectural heritage. Owning this map is akin to possessing a piece of Prague's history, a testament to the city's enduring legacy and Boisseau's masterful cartographic skills.

Streets and roads on this map

• La petite Isle
• La Place
• Le Pont des Boues
• Le Pont des Chemaux
• Le Pont de l'Eveque
• Le Pont de la ville neuve
• Le Pont de Pierre
• Les Armes de la ville
• Les Champs
• Les Fosses
• Les Grands Champs
• Les Nouveaux Fosses
• Les Vieilles Fosses
• Mont de Sion
• Mont S. Pierre
• Mont S. Thomas
• Mont S. Wenceslas
• Nouvelle Porte
• Palais commun
• Place au bled
• Place du marché aux chevaux
• Porte de l'Eveque
• Porte de la ville neuve
• Porte des Boues
• Porte des Chemaux
• Rue de la ville neuve
• Rue Neuve

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Decorative coats of arms along the top border
• Charles Bridge (centered on the map)
• Various churches and cathedrals (e.g., St. Vitus Cathedral)
• Castles and palaces (e.g., Prague Castle)
• Different districts of Prague, including the Old Town and Lesser Town
• The Vltava River, prominently featured on the map
• Various gates and fortifications around the city
• Detailed depiction of streets, buildings, and public squares

Historical and design context

• Rare early view of Prague, published in Paris by Jean Boisseau
• Features a fine large perspective view centered on the Charles Bridge with 122 key locations identified in French in the lower margin
• Published in Jean Boisseau's extremely rare "Theatre des Citez, ou Recueil de Plusieurs Villes..."
• Date of creation: 1648
• Jean Boisseau was a notable French cartographer and engraver known for his detailed city plans and maps
• The map is a bird's eye view, offering a panoramic perspective of the city
• Includes decorative elements such as coats of arms and detailed illustrations of buildings and landmarks
• Provides a detailed glimpse into the urban landscape of Prague in 1648, during the Thirty Years' War
• A valuable historical document for understanding the city's architecture and layout during this period

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

This map is wider than most maps, which would make it a perfect statement piece above a mantelpiece, sofa or desk.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.