Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 9

Cartographic Elegance: The Art and Science of 17th-Century Asian Maps, ca.1681

About the Item

This original antique map is an artifact from a pivotal era in cartography, reflecting not only the geographical knowledge of its time but also the intertwining of art and science in map-making. The description indicates that it is an original colored copperplate print, which was a common technique used in the 17th century for producing maps. The copperplate engraving process involves etching or engraving the map onto a copper plate, which is then used to print the image onto paper. The addition of color was often done by hand, making each colored map from this period unique. As for the cartographer, J. Harrewijn (also known as Jacques Harrewijn), he was an artist and engraver from the Low Countries, working around the late 17th century. While not as widely known as some of his contemporaries, Harrewijn contributed to the craft of mapmaking during a time often referred to as the "Golden Age of Cartography." This period was characterized by significant advancements in navigational techniques and a growing European interest in global exploration and trade. It was common during this era for cartographers to integrate current knowledge from explorers and scholars with decorative elements that made the maps not only informative but also visually appealing. In terms of historical context, the map captures a time when the understanding of Asia's geography was evolving rapidly due to increased exploration and trade. The map's detail and artistic style provide insight into how Europeans of the time perceived the vast and diverse continent of Asia. The historical significance of such a map is profound, as it represents a bridge between ancient knowledge and the modern understanding of the world. Asia's history, as mentioned, is vast and complex, with the development of civilizations across its various regions. It's important to recognize that while maps from this period attempted to be accurate, they were often influenced by the cartographer's limited knowledge and the geopolitical agendas of their patrons. Given Harrewijn's contributions as a cartographer, his works would be of interest to historians, geographers, and collectors of antique maps. His engravings, like this map of Asia, serve as historical records that tell us about the state of geographical knowledge, as well as the artistry involved in the map-making process of his time.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 7.49 in (19 cm)Width: 9.22 in (23.4 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Engraved
  • Period:
    1680-1689
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1681
  • Condition:
    Condition: good, given age. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-137201stDibs: LU3054338597142
More From This SellerView All
  • Cartographic Elegance of Touraine: A 17th-Century Map Showing French Heritage
    Located in Langweer, NL
    "Ducatus Turonensis - Touraine," is a original antique historical map of the Touraine region, which is located in the heart of France, centered...
    Category

    Antique 1630s Maps

    Materials

    Paper

  • The Principality of Dombes: A 17th-Century Cartographic Jewel by Jan Jansson
    Located in Langweer, NL
    The text on the map "La principaute de Dombes; J. van den Eynde sculpit.; La Principavte de Dombes" indicates that it is a map of the principality of Dombes, engraved by J. van den E...
    Category

    Antique 1630s Maps

    Materials

    Paper

  • Loudun and Mirebeau: A Cartographic Masterpiece of 17th Century France by Blaeu
    Located in Langweer, NL
    Cartography, 17th century. Willem (1571-1638) and Joan Blaeu (1596-1673), Theatrum Orbis Terrarum sive Atlas Novus..., 1635. Figure: Loudonois. Laudunum (Loudun); Mirebalais (Mirebea...
    Category

    Antique 1650s Maps

    Materials

    Paper

  • Cartographic Elegance of the Mughal Dominion in a Hand-Colored Antique Map, 1705
    Located in Langweer, NL
    This original antique map titled “'T Ryk van den Grooten Mogol” by Nicolas Sanson from 1705 is an interesting historical artifact. It depicts the extent of the Mughal Empire in North...
    Category

    Antique Early 1700s Maps

    Materials

    Paper

  • Old Map of Asia Depicting Asia in the 6th through the 9th Centuries, ca. 1855
    Located in Langweer, NL
    Antique map Asia titled 'Asien vom VIten bis in die erste Haelfte des IXten Jahrhundert’s Zeit der grossfen Ausdehnung des Ralifen Reiches; des Reiche...
    Category

    Antique 19th Century Maps

    Materials

    Paper

  • Cartographic Tapestry: Antique Map of Asia Minor, circa 1640
    Located in Langweer, NL
    Title: "Historical Tapestry: Antique Map of Asia Minor, circa 1640" Description: This authentic antique map, created by Willem Blaeu and published in Amsterdam circa 1640, is a capt...
    Category

    Antique Mid-17th Century Maps

    Materials

    Paper

You May Also Like
  • Vintage Reproduction 17th Century Map of Europe, American, Cartography, Blaeuw
    Located in Hele, Devon, GB
    This is a vintage reproduction map of Europe. An American, paper stock cartography print in frame after the work by Blaeuw, dating to the late 20t...
    Category

    Late 20th Century Central American Mid-Century Modern Maps

    Materials

    Glass, Wood, Paper

  • 17th Century John Speed Map of the Barkshire Described, c.1616
    By John Speed
    Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
    Antique 17th century British very rare and original John Speed (1551-1629) map of the Barkshire Described, J. Sud and Georg Humble, publication (1616 or lat...
    Category

    Antique 17th Century British Maps

    Materials

    Paper

  • 17th Century John Speed Map of Denbighshire, c.1610
    By John Speed
    Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
    Antique early 17th century British very rare and original John Speed, hand coloured map of Denbighshire, dated 1610, by John Sunbury and George Humble. John...
    Category

    Antique 17th Century British Maps

    Materials

    Wood, Paper

  • 17th Century Nicolas Visscher Map of Southeastern Europe
    Located in Hamilton, Ontario
    A beautiful, highly detailed map of southeastern Europe by Nicolas Visscher. Includes regions of Northern Italy (showing the cities Bologna, Padua, and Venice), Bohemia, Austria (sho...
    Category

    Antique 17th Century Dutch Maps

    Materials

    Paper

  • The Holy Land at the Time of Jesus: A 17th Century Dutch Map by Visscher
    By Nicolaes Visscher II
    Located in Alamo, CA
    This detailed Dutch map entitled "Het Beloofe de Landt Canaan door wandelt van onsen Salichmaecker Iesu Christo, nessens syne Apostelen" by Nicolaes Visscher was published in Amsterd...
    Category

    Antique Mid-17th Century Dutch Maps

    Materials

    Paper

  • 17th Century Hand Colored Map of the Liege Region in Belgium by Visscher
    By Nicolaes Visscher II
    Located in Alamo, CA
    An original 17th century map entitled "Leodiensis Episcopatus in omnes Subjacentes Provincias distincté divisusVisscher, Leodiensis Episcopatus" by Nicolaes Visscher II, published in Amsterdam in 1688. The map is centered on Liege, Belgium, includes the area between Antwerp, Turnhout, Roermond, Cologne, Trier and Dinant. This attractive map is presented in a cream-colored mat measuring 30" wide x 27.5" high. There is a central fold, as issued. There is minimal spotting in the upper margin and a tiny spot in the right lower margin, which are under the mat. The map is otherwise in excellent condition. The Visscher family were one of the great cartographic families of the 17th century. Begun by Claes Jansz Visscher...
    Category

    Antique Late 17th Century Dutch Maps

    Materials

    Paper

Recently Viewed

View All