Poland, eastern Germany:   Pomeraniae Ducatus Tabula. Amstelodami, Guiljelm Blaeuw excudit.

Original copperplate printed map
Fine Handcolor
378 x 490mm
Map # E-257
$ Sold

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This is a finely engraved map in the tradition of all Blaeu maps. 

Willem Janszoon, or Willem Jansz Blaeu (1571-1638) as he is more commonly known, was one of the most noted Dutch cartographers and map publisher of the 17^th century.  R.V. Tooley stated that Blaeu's maps are "esteemed by collectors for their decorative quality, historical importance, and as the highest expression of Dutch cartographic art during the period of its supremacy" (Tooley, p 28).  

After preparation as a pupil of the great Danish astronomer, Tycho Brahe, Blaeu initially concentrated on globe making and separately published maps, including wall maps of the continents.  From 1608, he dominated the market for sea atlases and in 1630 produced his terrestrial atlas.  These atlases were continued by his sons, culminating in the great Atlas Maior of 1662 in 11 volumes with subsequent editions.

This map has German text on the verso of this map with a signature of "Dd".  This map is from the first German edition of Blaeu's atlas of 1634, based on van der Krogt (p. 510).  It appears that this map was not re-issued after the 1672 fire at the offices of the Blaeu publishing firm.  The map is engraved by Rogiers ("S. Rogiers Sculpsit.").  It appears that the copperplate that made this map was engraved for Jodocus Hondius Jr.  Upon Hondius' death, Blaeu acquired this plate among others from Hondius' widow in 1629.  Blaeu changed the name on the plate to his name when he published this map in his atlases.

Reference:  Peter van der Krogt, Koeman's Atlantes Neerlandici, vol. 2.  Tooley, R.V. Collectors' Guide to Maps of the African Continent and Southern Africa. London: Carta Press, 1969.

Generally Fine Condition, with old reinforcement on the verso at the top and bottom margins.