AI Appraisal Estimate

A fine 18th-century copperplate engraved map of the English county of Surrey, published in Venice in 1779. The map is titled 'Provincia di Surrey di Nuova Projezione' and was produced by Antonio Zatta for his monumental atlas 'Atlante Novissimo'. The piece is printed on hand-laid paper and features delicate hand-coloring, specifically in the decorative title cartouche which depicts a localized landscape with a tall tree. The map displays the county's boundaries with neighboring Middlesex, Kent, Sussex, Berkshire, and Hampshire. It shows towns, rivers, and topographic features with fine-line engraving typical of the Zatta workshop. The map is professionally presented in a double-ruled green-grey mat and set within a thin, gilt-finished wooden frame. Notable features include Italian nomenclature for the title and English names for the geographic locations. The condition appears to be excellent for its age, with minor expected toning to the paper and crisp plate marks still visible. There are no obvious signs of foxing, tears, or significant fading in the provided view. The craftsmanship reflects the high standards of late 18th-century Venetian cartography, known for its elegance and aesthetic appeal over absolute geographic precision.

I have conducted a visual examination of the 'Provincia di Surrey di Nuova Projezione' by Antonio Zatta, dating to 1779. This map is a classic example of 18th-century Venetian cartography from Zatta’s 'Atlante Novissimo'. My assessment indicates that the piece is in excellent condition; the hand-laid paper retains its structural integrity, and the hand-coloring in the ornate title cartouche is vibrant without being excessive. The presence of clear plate marks suggests an early or well-maintained strike from the copperplate. Market demand for Zatta maps remains stable among collectors of regional English topographica and those who appreciate the aesthetic 'Italianate' style of the period. Comparables for single Zatta county maps typically range from $350 to $700 depending on the specific county and framing quality. The high-quality presentation—specifically the double-ruled matting and gilt frame—adds approximately $150 in decorative value, though serious cartographic collectors often prefer unframed sheets to inspect the verso for watermarks. While this appears to be an authentic 18th-century engraving based on the visible chain lines and ink absorption, a definitive authentication cannot be completed via digital imagery alone. A physical inspection is required to confirm the presence of a 'Z'-type or three-crescent watermark typical of Zatta’s paper suppliers. Furthermore, I would need to examine the paper under UV light to ensure no modern bleaching or restoration has occurred. Documentation of provenance, such as a gallery invoice from a recognized member of the International Map Collectors' Society (IMCoS), would further solidify the valuation at the higher end of the estimated range.