Rare Old Map of Iceland, Faroe Islands & Greenland by Bowen, 1747: Skalholt, Holum, Suðuroy, Davis's Straits, Whirlpool

Emanuel Bowen's 1747 masterpiece, "A Map of Old Greenland or Oster Bygd & Wester Bygd," is a captivating artifact from the age of exploration. This meticulously crafted map offers a detailed portrayal of Greenland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands, capturing the imagination with its rich, decorative style. Bowen, a renowned British engraver and geographer to both King George II and Louis XV, created this map during a period of heightened interest in Arctic and North Atlantic exploration. His work reflects the era's quest for knowledge and the desire to chart the world's most remote and mysterious regions.

The map is a visual feast, featuring not only the political and physical landscapes of Greenland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands but also an intriguing illustration of a Whirlpool off Suðuroy Island. The regions of Wester Bygd and Oster Bygd in Greenland are meticulously delineated, showcasing the cartographic precision of the time. The inclusion of Davis's Straits and Baffin's Bay highlights the strategic importance of these waterways in 18th-century navigation and exploration.

Iceland is presented with remarkable detail, divided into its historical provinces: West, North, East, and South. The map includes notable settlements such as Skalholt, Holum, and Bessestedr, which were significant centers of ecclesiastical and political power. The geographical features, including mountain ranges and rivers, are rendered with an artistic flair that enhances the map's aesthetic appeal while providing valuable information about the island's topography.

The Faroe Islands are depicted according to the observations of Jacobon Debes, adding another layer of historical context to this already rich map. The detailed rendering of these islands, along with the illustration of the Whirlpool near Suðuroy Island, underscores the map's comprehensive approach to capturing the natural and man-made features of the North Atlantic. The decorative cartouches and compass roses further embellish the map, making it not only a tool for navigation but also a work of art.

Emanuel Bowen's map is more than just a geographical representation; it is a window into the past, offering insights into the 18th-century world and its understanding of these remote regions. The map's historical significance is profound, as it reflects the period's scientific curiosity and the advancements in cartographic techniques. For collectors and enthusiasts of historical maps, this piece is a testament to Bowen's skill and the enduring allure of exploration.

Cities and towns on this map

• Greenland:

• No specific cities or towns labeled.

• Iceland:

• Skalholt
• Holum

• Bessestedr

• Faroe Islands:

• None explicitly labeled as towns or cities.

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Inset maps:
• An improved map of Iceland
• A Draght of the Whirlpool on the South East of Sumbo Rocks
• A Map of the Islands of Ferro or Farro according to Jacobon Debes
• Illustrations:
• Decorative cartouches
• Illustration of the Whirlpool off Suðuroy Island
• Landmarks:
• Cape Farewell
• Suðuroy Island
• Sumboe Rocks
• Bodies of water:
• Davis's Straits
• Baffin's Bay
• Mountains:
• Several unnamed mountain ranges in Greenland and Iceland
• Borders:
• Boundaries of regions within Iceland (West, North, East, South Provinces)
• Boundaries of Wester Bygd and Oster Bygd in Greenland

Historical and design context

• Date created: 1747
• Mapmaker or publisher: Emanuel Bowen
• Interesting context about the mapmaker: Emanuel Bowen was a well-known British engraver and mapmaker in the 18th century who served as a geographer to both King George II of Great Britain and Louis XV of France.
• Topics and themes shown on the map:
• Political and physical features of Greenland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands.
• Illustration of a Whirlpool off Suðuroy Island in the Faroe Islands.
• Detailed geographical features such as mountains, rivers, and coastlines.
• Countries and regions shown on the map:
• Greenland
• Iceland
• Faroe Islands
• Design or style of the map:
• Decorative and detailed with elaborate cartouches and illustrations.
• Use of color to distinguish different regions and physical features.
• Includes compass roses and scales for distance.
• Historical significance or context:
• Provides insight into the geographical knowledge and cartographic techniques of the mid-18th century.
• Reflects the interest in Arctic and North Atlantic exploration during the 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 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

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.