Willem Blaeu - Africae nova descriptio - c.1650

Amongst the most beautifully designed and long-lasting of Dutch cartes à figures of the 17th Century were the set of four Continent maps initially... more

by Vintage Map

Title

Willem Blaeu - Africae nova descriptio - c.1650

Artist

Vintage Map

Medium

Digital Art - Printed Map

Description

Amongst the most beautifully designed and long-lasting of Dutch "cartes à figures" of the 17th Century were the set of four Continent maps initially engraved by Dutch mapmaker Willem Janz. Blaeu [1571-1638] in 1617 and first issued in Atlas format in 1630. The maps remained a constant feature of all subsequent Blaeu Atlases, including those of Willem Blaeu's son Johannes, through to the 1660s. The map incorporates nine roundel city and town views along the top border with attractive paired figures of the indigenous inhabitants of the different regions and countries of the African Continent down each side border. On the map itself, amongst the notable features in the River Nile which is depicted rising in two great interior lakes. The surrounding waters of the Atlantic & Indian Oceans are richly embellished with beautiful vignettes of European galleons, flying fish and ferocious sea monsters.

Uploaded

March 3rd, 2021