Produced by prominent Icelandic naturalist and geologist Þorvaldur Thoroddsen, this unique map of the Nordic Island shows its wide geological diversity and volcanic features. Iceland is the only portion of the Mid Atlantic Ridge that rises above the Atlantic Ocean and features a central plateau that is home to a volcano field that is nearly constantly erupting. Following the conclusion of the Napoleonic Wars, Denmark and Norway became separate nations, and Iceland remained under Danish rule. Independence movements were growing throughout the nineteenth and early twentieth century. In 1874 Denmark granted Iceland its own constitution with limited home governance. In 1918 Denmark granted Iceland a twenty-five-year period of independence in a personal union with the Dutch. In 1944, Iceland formally became a republic and entered a period of significant economic expansion and prosperity. Thoroddsen studied geology in Copenhagen and was inspired to create this depiction to highlight the natural geological diversity found on the Island. Prior to this publication, the vast wilderness and uninhabited regions of the country had been largely unmapped or documented. Thoroddsen’s depiction is the first to not focus on the populated areas of the country. He would go on to write several books regarding the unique geology of Iceland. This map bears a distinctive aesthetic and classic style that immediately transports the viewer back in time. This rare piece of Icelandic geologic and cartographical history provides an indelible bond between the past and present. Thoroddsen’s map was the earliest depiction to document the nation conclusively.Our museum quality giclee print comes printed with archival ink on premium heavyweight matte paper. This vintage map reproduction print makes the perfect gift for anyone that loves history.
or
