Description
Blaeu’s maps from this series show mountains as raised topography, embellished with images of trees in bird’s-eye view clustered in wooded areas. The elaborate baroque cartouches are richly colored, generally incorporating the coat of arms of the region, and some decorated with more coats of arms. Additional cartouches show relative scales. Some maps have symbols identified in keys representing cities, burgs, villages, hamlets, chateaux, and abbeys; some are decorated with illustrations of people of the region. The outline colors vary. Some of the plates incorporate two or more maps on a single sheet.
The Blaeu family of cartographers, founded by Willem Janszoon Blaeu (1571-1638) in about 1604, became the largest printer in 17th century Europe and the leading cartographic publisher during the golden age of Dutch map making. Read more about the firm in our Guide to Globe Makers.
Condition: Generally very good with only minor overall toning, wear, soft creases. Vertical center fold as issued. Colors bright.
References:
Fleet, Christopher. “Joan Blaeu.” Pont Maps Biographies. National Library of Scotland. 2000. http://www.nls.uk/pont/bio/blaeu.html (17 September 2002).
Tooley, R.V. Maps and Map-Makers. 4th Ed. New York: Bonanza Books, 1970. pp. 33-34.
