Original antique copper plate engraved map by J. Blaeu. With early hand colour
First published 1745, this edition published 1748. Dutch text on reverse
Willem Janszoon Blaeu (1571 – 1638), was a Dutch cartographer, atlas maker, and publisher. Along with his son Johannes Blaeu, Willem is considered one of the notable figures of the Netherlandish or Dutch school of cartography during its golden age in the 16th and 17th centuries.
In 1620, the son, Johannes Blaeu (1596 – 1673) became a doctor of law but joined in the work of his father, Willem. In 1635, they published the Atlas Novus (full title: Theatrum orbis terrarum, sive, Atlas novus) in two volumes. Joan and his brother Cornelius took over the studio after their father died in 1638.
In 1638 he was appointed his father’s successor in the Hydrographic office of the V.O.C. (Dutch East India Company). His efforts culminated in the magnificent Atlas Major and the town-books of the Netherlands and of Italy – works unsurpassed in history and in modern times.
