Michael Drayton 1612

A curiosity, not intended as a correct geographical representation but as a decorative accompaniment to the author’s poems in his Poly-Olbion or Chrorographical description of Tracts, Rivers, Mountains, Forests and other Parts of this renounded Isle of Great Britain. Measuring 33 x 25 cms (13 x 10 ins) it has no scale or title but has plenty of cherubs, scantily clad female bathers and huntresses armed for the chase in the forests.

Drayton’s poetical musings were largely inspired by rivers and it is pleasing to see that the River Char has its own cherub.

Source: David Beaton, Dorset Maps, 2001, The Dovecote Press

External link: The Poly-Olbion Project  (opens in new window).

Technical Notes.

Single digital photograph of an original.

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