Now Offering: Historical Map – Where Art and Cartography Converge
Now Offering: Historical Map - Where Art and Cartography Converge

In 1631, he unveiled his debut atlas, presenting roughly 60 maps accompanied by meticulous texts. Among these maps, 13 were drawn from Blaeu’s prior releases, while an additional 37 copper plates acquired from Jodocus Hondius in 1629 enriched the atlas. Initially dubbed the “Appendix,” this venture aimed to complement the established atlases of Ortelius and Mercator. Within a year, it expanded into two parts, featuring a total of 99 maps, and underwent further expansion and refinement in subsequent years. –

History, Art, Map, Vintage, Exploration, cartography, USA, Colonial, Willem Blaeu, Early Map

History, Art, Map, Vintage, Exploration, cartography, USA, Colonial, Willem Blaeu, Early Map, Western Hemisphere,

This publication ignited a fierce rivalry between Blaeu’s enterprise and that of Hondius/Janssonius. The latter swiftly commenced reproducing maps procured from Jodocus II, integrating them into their editions of the renowned Mercator-Hondius atlases, thus initiating a trend of reciprocal replication. In 1634, the atlas underwent a name change to “Theatrum Orbis Terrarum” (Theatre of the World), paying homage to Ortelius’ groundbreaking atlas of 1570. The inaugural single-volume edition, in German, boasted 159 maps, solidifying its status as a comprehensive atlas. Subsequent translations into Dutch, French, and Latin resulted in a renewed division into two parts, showcasing approximately 208 maps. This expansive atlas experienced further growth and refinement, evolving into a continually expanding multi-part compilation.

History, Art, Map, Vintage, Exploration, cartography, USA, Colonial, Willem Blaeu, Early Map, Western Hemisphere,

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Following Willem Jansz.’s passing, the atlas continued its evolution, ultimately earning the monikers Atlas Maior, Grooten Atlas, or Geographiae Blavianae. Throughout the 17th century, it emerged as one of the most extensive and lavish publications in cartography. Editions comprised up to 14 distinct volumes and contained around 600 maps, cementing its reputation as a pinnacle of cartographic achievement.

Now Offering: Historical Map – Where Art and Cartography Converge