Bidspirit auction | Blaeu - Map of Zeeland

Blaeu - Map of Zeeland - This historic map is from a composite atlas. It is from Willem Janszoon Blaeu & Joan (Johannes) Blaeu and published in Amsterdam between the 1640s and 1660s. Willem Janszoon Blaeu (1571-1638), Jan’s father, founded the famous Blaeu cartographic firm in Amsterdam. He studied astronomy and science under Tycho Brahe. He established a globe and instrument making business in 1599 which soon expanded into cartography publishing. It became one of the most important publishing firms in the world that was also later run by his sons Cornelis and Jan. Their maps are noted for their fine engraving process, coloring, and design and are often referred to as “the highest expression of Dutch cartographical art.” He also served as the official cartagropher for the Dutch East India Company in 1630. Joan (Johannes) Blaeu (1596-1673) began the publication of the Nuevo Atlas in 1659 and would eventually change the title to Atlas Mayor. It was to be his most famous atlas, and was meant to include up to 13 volumes, but only 10 volumes were ever completed as his printing house was destroyed by fire. He was also noted for the publication of the atlas Theatrum orbis Terrarum. Provenance: Coat-of-arms bookplate of the Austrian-Bohemian noble family von Harrach Paper Size: ~ 22” by 17” (Fold Out) Paper Type or Special Features: Engraving