17th Century Maps

Very handsome original old coloured copper engraving of Papua and the Solomon Island. Title of the map 'Descriptio Novae Guneae et Inss. Salom. On the reverse text in Latin. Ve...

Antique print titled 'Pagoda Quangguamiau'. Old print depicting the 'Quangguamiau' pagoda, China. This print originates from 'Het gezantschap der Nee^rlandtsche Oost-Indische Compagn...

Antique map titled 'Bresse'. Old map of the former region of Bresse, France. It is located in the regions of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté of eastern France. This ...

Antique map titled 'Fezzae et Marocchi regna Africae Celeberrima'. Map of Morocco, showing large fortified towns of Marakesh, Taradante and Fez, towns, mountains, rivers, lakes, etc....

Antique Globe Gore: Southwestern Europe and West Africa by Vincenzo Coronelli This exquisite, hand-colored globe gore by Vincenzo Coronelli, one of the most renowned 17th-century cartographers, represents Southwestern Europe and West Africa. A segment of Coronelli's monumental 42-inch terrestrial globe, this gore is a remarkable example of the artistry and geographical knowledge of the late 1600s. Covering France, the Iberian Peninsula, and all of Africa west of a line extending from Algeria to the Bight of Benin, it also includes the Canary Islands and Madeira. Coronelli’s globe gores are celebrated for their exceptional engraving and accuracy, and this piece is no exception. The coastline of Africa is depicted with remarkable precision for its time, reflecting the latest geographical knowledge of European explorers. In contrast, the interior of Africa—still a mystery to European mapmakers—features mythical elements such as fantastical mountain ranges and exotic fauna. Giraffes, elephants, lions, and mysterious giant birds populate the landscape, offering a glimpse into the imagination and curiosity of the era. One notable detail is the Gambia...

The antique map, titled 'Scotiae pars septentrionalis,' depicts the northern part of Scotland. Crafted by Hondius around 1640, this map is a historical treasure showcasing the geogra...

Antique print, titled: 'Topograhpiae Enchusae.' Bird's-eye view plan of Enkhuizen in The Netherlands, with key to locations and coats of arms. Text in Dutch on verso. This plan o...

Antique map titled 'Le Pais de Caux'. Old map of Pays de Caux, France. Pays de Caux is an area in Normandy occupying the greater part of the French département of Seine Maritime ...

This is a detailed colored copperplate engraving depicting northern Dithmarschen, accompanied by town plans of Weßlingburen (now Wesselburen), Lunden, and Heyde (now Heide) at the to...

Antique map titled 'Graeciae Descriptio.' Charming miniature map of Greece from the pocket atlas 'Introductionis in Universam Geographiam tam Veterem qu...

Antique map titled 'Schiatti - Scopoli.' This original antique map shows the islands Schiatti and Scopoli in Greece. Source unknown, to be determined. Artists and Engravers: Made by...

This map titled *Pascaret van Schager-Rack de Bælt en de Sondt* was created by the prominent Dutch cartographer Johannes van Keulen and published in Amsterd...

Title: Rare Hand-Colored 17th-Century Map of Dauphiné by Frederik De Wit c. 1688 Description: This captivating 17th-century map of Dauphiné, titled "Nova et Accurata Delphinatus Vul...

Antique map titled 'Vetus descriptio Daciarum nec non Moesiarum'. Impressive map of the area of Romania and Bulgaria centered on the Danube River. The map is based on Ortelius' map o...

Antique map Africa titled 'Isles du Cap Verd Coste et Pays des Negres'. Antique map of the coast of Africa and the Cape Verde islands. Artists and...

Title: 17th-Century Antique Map of Hunan and Hubei Provinces, China – "Hvqvang" by Blaeu, Richly Detailed and Illustrated Description: This beautiful 17th-century map of the regions that now comprise Hunan and Hubei Provinces, historically referred to as "Hvqvang," was created by Johannes Blaeu and published in 1655 as part of the *Novus Atlas Sinensis*. This map, drawn with input from Jesuit missionary Martino Martini, provides a meticulous representation of central China’s geography, capturing its rivers, towns, and mountainous terrain. The Yangtze River (Changjiang) is prominently featured, emphasizing the region’s importance as a vital waterway for trade and transportation. Wuhan, now a modern metropolis, and Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province, were historically significant cities that appear on the map. The area is also notable for its fertile lands and contributions to China’s agricultural prosperity, particularly in rice and tea production. The decorative cartouche in the lower-right corner features two figures in traditional Chinese attire standing amid bamboo, symbolizing the cultural and natural richness of the region. Blaeu’s map combines precision and artistry, with vibrant hand-coloring distinguishing boundaries and geographical features. The copperplate engraving ensures fine detail, making this map a remarkable historical artifact. Condition: Near excellent. Clean impression with vivid hand-coloring. Wide margins with minor age-toning appropriate for its age. Framing Tips: Use a neutral double mat and a gilt or dark wood frame to enhance the presentation. UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve the vivid hand-coloring and intricate engraving details. Hunan and Hubei, historically referred to as "Hvqvang," are known for their strategic location along the Yangtze River and their cultural and economic significance in Chinese history. The region’s fertile lands have supported extensive rice cultivation, earning it the title of one of China’s "breadbaskets." Hubei, with Wuhan at its center, has long been a hub of transportation and trade, owing to the convergence of the Yangtze and Han Rivers. Hunan, with Changsha as its capital, is known for its rich cultural heritage and contributions to Chinese literature and art. Important places in the region include Wuhan, an ancient trade center, and Changsha, known for its historical sites and cultural prominence. The Yangtze River, a key feature on the map, highlights the region’s historical importance as a major waterway for commerce and agriculture. Other notable features include Dongting Lake, a vital ecological and cultural landmark, and the surrounding mountainous areas that have shaped the region’s history and development. Keywords: antique map of Hunan, Hubei map, Hvqvang map, Yangtze River map, 17th-century Chinese map...

Title: Stunning Hand-Colored Map of Languedoc by Frederik De Wit c. 1688 Description: This elegant 17th-century map, "Gouvernement General de Languedoc," beautifully illustrates the...

Title: Rare Hand-Colored Map of Lyonnais Region by Frederik De Wit c. 1688 Description: This beautifully detailed map, "Gouvernement General du Lyonnois," showcases the Lyonnais reg...

Title: Hand-Colored 17th-Century Map of Orléanais by Frederik De Wit c. 1688 Description: This beautifully crafted map, "Gouvernement General du Pays Orléanois," illustrates the Orl...

This is an exquisite antique bird's-eye view map of Hangzhou, historically referred to as "Xuntien or Quinzay," from the first edition of Matthäus Merian's publication in 1638. This ...

Title: Early Woodcut Map of Swabia and Bavaria, 16th Century This early woodcut map titled "Schwaben und Bayernlande / Darbey auch begreiffen der Oenwaldt / Nordgaw / etc." provides...

Antique map Batavia titled 'Ware Affbeeldinge wegens het Casteel ende Stadt Batavia'. Antique print of the castle and city of Batavia on the Island of Java'. Rare edition with En...

Description: Antique print, untitled. Two decorative maps on one sheet of the middle east in biblical times. Source unknown, to be determined. Artists and Engravers: Anonymous...

The map shows the Duchy of Schleswig, which spans the area between the North Sea coast, Kolding, and Flensburg. The maps were originally published by Johannes Mejer in the regional a...

This beautifully hand-colored map, titled "Episcopatus Hildesiensis Descriptio Novissima," depicts the Bishopric of Hildesheim, a historical ecclesiastical territory in present-day L...

"1644 Janssonius Map of Champagne, France" This meticulously detailed original antique map, engraved in 1644, is a work by the esteemed cartographer Johannes Janssonius. It depicts the historic province of Champagne, situated in the northeastern part of France. The map is notable for its high level of detail, with meticulously drawn boundaries, city markers, and river courses. It features a beautifully rendered cartouche adorned with the provincial coat of arms, flanked by classical figures, indicative of the region's cultural significance. In the lower left corner, a pair of cherubs are engaged in surveying, symbolizing the scientific endeavor of cartography. The elaborate compass rose and the scale bar further complement the map's utility and artistic merit. Champagne is renowned globally for its viticultural heritage, being the birthplace of the eponymous Champagne sparkling wine. The region's unique terroir, with its chalky soil and cool climate, is ideal for the production of the grapes used in champagne-making. The historical significance of Champagne extends beyond winemaking; it has been the site of pivotal battles and royal coronations, which shaped the course of French and European history. This map is not only a navigational tool but also a snapshot of a region rich in history and tradition, an artifact that embodies the geographical and cultural prestige of Champagne. This description provides a detailed visual and contextual presentation of the map, suitable for a catalog entry, emphasizing both its artistic features and the historical and cultural importance of the Champagne region. THE WINE AREAS: The Champagne region, known primarily for its production of the sparkling wine that bears its name, encompasses several important cities and sites of historical and cultural significance: 1. **Reims**: Often considered the unofficial capital of the Champagne region, Reims is renowned for its grand cathedral, Notre-Dame de Reims, where French kings were historically crowned...

Very decorative antique map of Chili published by W. Blaeu, 1658. This map depicts Chile from Copiapo southward to the island of Chiloé with ships and sea monsters adorning the sea. ...

Antique map titled 'Descriptio Zeilan, et Maldivarum Inss'. Rare, original antique miniature map of Ceylon/Sri Lanka and the Maldives. This map originate...

Antique map titled 'Le Royaume d'Angleterre divisé en plusieurs Parties (..)'. Large and rare map of England and Wales by J.B. Nolin after Coronelli. With decorative cartouche, table...

Antique miniature map titled 'Persia'. Small map of Persia published in the Epitome, or pocket-edition of the "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum". Artists and e...

Antique print Greece titled 'Bergh Cinthus'. Old print of Mount Cinthus (birth place of Apollo), Delos, Greece. This print originates from 'Nauwkeurige Beschrijving der eilanden in de in de Archipel der Middellantsche Zee' by O. Dapper. Mount Cynthus (Kýnthos) is located on the isle of Delos, part of the Greek Cyclades. In Greek mythology, Leto gave birth to Apollo and Artemis...

This is an original antique map titled 'Valentiae Regni olim Contestanorum Si Ptolemaeo, Edentanorum Si Plinio Credimus Typus'. This is a historical map of the Kingdom of Valencia in...

Antique map titled 'Utriusque Burgundiae tum Ducatus tum Comitatus descriptio'. Old map of the Burgundy region of France. This map originates from 'Neuwe Archontologia cosmica'. Arti...

Antique map titled 'Accuratissima Galliae Tabula vulgo Royaume de France'. Detailed map of France. Shows provinces, cities, rivers etc. Artists and Engravers: Frederick de Wit (1...

This map, "Westmoria Comitatus; Anglice Westmorland", was created by the esteemed Dutch cartographer Willem Blaeu and was published around 1645 in 'Le Theatre du Monde ou Nouvel Atlas'. It provides a detailed look at Westmorland, a historic county in northern England, based on John Speed’s earlier map. The map features numerous place names, parks, and estates, including Brigster Park, Colnhead Park, Crosbye, and Midleton, along with a detailed depiction of Windermere (spelled Wynandermere) and the surrounding regions. Additional Features: - Hand-colored map, with vibrant and detailed colors that bring out the topographical and decorative features. - Includes intricate cartouches, such as the royal coat of arms, a decorative title cartouche topped with putti (cherubic figures), and six coats of arms (two left blank). - Depicts the region’s rich landscape, including the rolling hills and mountainous terrain of northern England. - French text on the verso, indicative of the publication period from 1645-1648, part of Blaeu’s highly sought-after atlases. - Map shows precise details of small towns, estates, and parks, such as Brigster Park, Colnhead Park, Crosbye, and Wynandermere (now Windermere Lake). This map would be of particular interest to collectors of English county maps, antique maps of northern England, 17th-century cartography, and the decorative works of Willem Blaeu. Blaeu's maps are renowned for their accuracy, artistic beauty, and historical significance. Keywords: Willem Blaeu, Westmorland map, northern England, 17th-century map, antique map, English county map, John Speed, Windermere, decorative cartography, hand-colored map, rare map, antique cartography...

This map, titled 'Royaume des Amazones', was created by Alain Manesson Mallet and published in 1684 in a German edition of Beschreibung des Gantzen Welt-Kreisses, a renowned work der...

This is an antique map of Styria (referred to as “Stiria” or “Steyrmarck”), published by the renowned Dutch cartographer Willem Janszoon Blaeu (often simply “Blaeu”). The first editi...

Antique map titled 'Circuli Saxoniae Superior Pars Meridionalis in qua sunt Ducatus Saxoniae, Comitatus Mansfeldiae, et Voitlandiae, Landgraviat Thuringiae, Marchionatus Misniae Prin...

Antique map titled 'Hondius his Map of Paradise'. Beautiful map of the region bounded by the Holy Land. Syria, Mesopotamia, Chaldea and part of Arabia. W...

Antique map titled 'Burgundiae Comitatus Franche Comté'. Old map of the historical and former region of Franche-Comté, France. As a region, it encompasse...

1692 Jacques Peeters Map: East Indies, Indonesia & Japan with Unique Inset This hand-colored map from 1692, created by Jacques Peeters, captures the islands of Indonesia, the Philippines, and features a unique inset of Japan. It closely resembles Nicolas de Fer's map and is primarily based on Sanson's influential maps. The map meticulously details cities, smaller settlements, rivers, mountain chains, and forests, offering a comprehensive view of the region's geography. The inset map of Japan stands out due to its distinctive shape and influences, reflecting different cartographic sources. Notable features include the marked equator and detailed latitude and longitude indications on the borders. The map measures 6.5 inches in width by 5.5 inches in height and is in excellent condition, with a dark impression, slight toning, and a minor centerfold crease. Keywords: - East Indies map - Indonesia historical map - Philippines map...

Taprobanae Insulae Descriptio ex Ptolemaeo – Antique Map of Sri Lanka by Mercator, c.1607 This fine original copperplate engraving, titled Taprobanae Insulae Descriptio ex Ptolemaeo...

Antique map titled 'Le Duche d'Aiguillon'. Beautiful map of the Aiguillon region of France. It shows the region between the Lot and Garonne rivers. Artists and Engravers: Johanne...

Early Woodcut Map of the Rhine River Region Covering the Palatinate, Austria, and Elsass, ca. 1628 This early woodcut map, titled "Die ander Tafel des Rheinstromes/begriffen die Pfa...

Antique map titled 'Natolia detta anticamente Asia Minor (..)'. Rare map of Asia Minor (Turkey) and Cyprus and neighboring regions. The map provides one of the most detailed and up t...

This hand-colored map, titled "Paderbornensis Episcopatus Descriptio Nova," depicts the Bishopric of Paderborn, a historical ecclesiastical territory within the Holy Roman Empire, lo...

Gallipoli Fortifications: A 1688 Bird’s-Eye Map by Mattheus Merian Description: This exquisitely detailed map of Gallipoli, crafted by the renowned engraver Mattheus Merian, offers ...

"Ducatus Turonensis - Touraine," is a original antique historical map of the Touraine region, which is located in the heart of France, centered...

This is a beautiful example of an antique map, titled "Westertheil des Amptes Haderschleben Zusambt Rieben und dem Loehmcloster Anno 1649." It's a hand-colored copper etching by Matt...

1692 Map of the Mogul Empire by Jacques Peeters This finely engraved map, published in 1692 by Jacques Peeters, showcases the Mogul Empire region, covering areas from northern India...

Antique map titled 'The Counti of Warwick the Shire Towne and Citie of Coventre described'. Map of Warwickshire, England. Includes inset town plans of Warwic...

Antique map titled 'The Counti of Warwick (..)'. Map of Warwickshire, England. Includes inset town plans of Warwick and Coventry. This map originates from 'Theatre of Great Britaine'...

Antique map titled 'Utriusque Burgundiae tum Ducatus tum Comitatus descriptio'. Old map of the Burgundy (Bourgogne) region of France. This map originates from 'Neuwe Archontologia co...

This large late-17th-century sea chart is titled *Carte Générale des Costes d’Irlande, et des Costes Occidentales d’Angleterre avec une Partie de celles d’Ecosse*, showing the entire...

Antique map, titled: 'Tutecoryn.' Bird's-eye plan of map of Tutecoryn (Tuticorin or Thoothukudi), India. This map originates from 'Naauwkeurige Beschryvinge van Malabar en Choroman...

Antique map titled 'De Heerlyckheyt van Over-IJssel'. Old map of the province of Overijssel, the Netherlands. Also depicted are various coats of arms. Artists and Engravers: Engraved...

Rare antique miniature map titled 'Iava Maior'. This map shows the northern coastline of Java (Indonesia) with numerous place names, but the southern coa...

Asia Minor – Antique Map of Natolia by Ortelius, Theatrum Orbis Terrarum c.1600 This beautifully hand-colored antique map titled Natoliae quae olim Asia Minor nova descriptio presen...

Antique map titled 'Planisphere du Monde - France'. Two miniature maps on one sheet. The upper map shows a hemisphere of the Old World. The lower map shows France. This map originate...

Antique map titled 'Germaniae Veteris typus'. Very attractive map of ancient Germany. Published by G. Blaeu after A. Ortelius, circa 1630. Willem Jans...