Sale 2496 - Maps & Atlases, Natural History & Color Plate Books, December 13, 2018

122 c   (MANUSCRIPT MAP.) Staab, Odo. Didactic manuscript map of Europe. Ink and watercolor on wove paper bearing “C&I Honig” watermark; signed and dated lower left “Odo Staab del 1813”. 20 1 / 2 x21 inches sheet size; age toned, minor worming within image, a few closed tears and scattered edge chipping. [Germany], 1813 [800/1,200] An exceptional early European manuscript composition most likely done in, or for, a school classroom. The central map of Europe is surrounded by a plethora of finely detailed vignettes: portraits of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor and Martin Luther; native figures exhibiting dress and culture within the context of their environment; exotic natural history subjects such as polar bears, a golden eagle, hyena, and a Norwegian blue fox; taking up the entire lower register is brilliant catalog study of over 30 varieties of beetles. Whether Staab was the student or teacher, his skillfully drawn picture is a remarkable and thoroughly pleasing piece of educational folk art.