Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10

Map of Lake Geneva and Surroundings by Hondius, Geneva Region, circa 1612

About the Item

Map of Lake Geneva and Surroundings by Hondius, Geneva Region, 1606 This rare and intricately engraved map, titled *Chorographica Tabula Lacus Lemanni Locorumque Circumiacentium*, was created by Jodocus Hondius and first published in the 1606 edition of the Mercator-Hondius Atlas. Oriented with southeast at the top, the map offers a rich and detailed portrayal of Lake Geneva (Lacus Lemannus) and its surrounding regions, including parts of modern-day Switzerland and France. The map centers on Lake Geneva, with the Rhône River entering from the east and exiting through the city of Geneva on the west. Surrounding areas are labeled with impressive density, depicting towns, castles, forests, vineyards, and mountain ranges in vivid pictorial style. Elegant embellishments, such as ships sailing on the lake, a compass rose, geese along the shoreline, and even a subtle sea monster, lend charm and visual interest. Jodocus Hondius, one of the most significant figures in early Dutch cartography, acquired Gerardus Mercator’s plates in 1604. With his own additions, Hondius published a vastly expanded atlas that came to dominate the map market for several decades. This particular plate reflects his close attention to local topography and political context. Historical annotations enhance the map’s value to historians. A reference to the 1584 earthquake near Yvorne demonstrates Hondius' interest in contemporary events. Several fortresses and locations are identified in relation to the Franco-Savoyard War of 1600–1601, including the Château de l’Echelle and Fort Sainte Catherine. These details situate the map not only as a geographic record but also as a document of military and political significance. Early editions of this map also featured portraits of Protestant theologians such as Calvin, Farel, and Beza. These were later masked from the plate, likely to appeal to a broader European audience. The present version—post-1612—shows the plate with the portraits removed but still retains the broader framing margin from the original state. Condition Report: Engraving in good condition with light age toning, a few marginal stains, and a wide lower margin indicating the masked-off area from the original plate. No significant tears or restoration. Fine plate impression with clear detail. Tips for Framing: Use a classic frame in dark walnut or antiqued gold. Choose an archival off-white or beige mat to enhance the aged paper tone. A deep-set shadowbox style can emphasize the generous lower margin and visual depth of this early map. UV glass is recommended.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 17.45 in (44.3 cm)Width: 21.46 in (54.5 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Engraved
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
    Early 17th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1612
  • Condition:
    Engraving in good condition with light age toning, a few marginal stains, and a wide lower margin indicating the masked-off area from the original plate. No significant tears or restoration. Fine plate impression with clear detail.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-13667-21stDibs: LU3054345323932

More From This Seller

View All
Antique Map of the Region of Beauvais by Hondius, circa 1630
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Beauvaisis - Comitatus Belovacium'. Old map of the region of Beauvais, France. This map originates from a composite atlas and is signed by J. Hondius.
Category

Antique Mid-17th Century Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of the Region of Bresse by Hondius, circa 1630
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Bresse'. Old map of the former region of Bresse, France. It is located in the regions of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté of eastern France. This ...
Category

Antique Mid-17th Century Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of the Region of Lyon by Hondius, circa 1630
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Lionnois, Forest et Beauiolois'. Old map of the former region of Lyon, Vienne, Bresse, Rohan and the Rhône River. This map originates f...
Category

Antique Mid-17th Century Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of the Region of Valois by Hondius, circa 1630
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Le Pais de Valois'. Old map of the historic region of Valois, France. It corresponds to the southeastern quarter of the modern département of Oise, with an adjace...
Category

Antique Mid-17th Century Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of the Region of Lake Geneva by Janssonius '1657'
By Johannes Janssonius
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map 'Das Wiflispur Gergow'. Detailed map of Switzerland showing Waadt and the Lake of Geneva and the city of Geneva, Fribourg and partly Bern. This map originates from 'Atlas...
Category

Antique Mid-17th Century Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of the Region of Étampes and Sens by Hondius, circa 1630
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Gastinois et Senonois'. Old map of the region of Étampes and Sens, France. It shows the cities of Sens, Melun, Étampes, Orleans, Fontainebleau, Montargis and othe...
Category

Antique Mid-17th Century Maps

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

17th Century Hand-Colored Map of Southeastern England by Mercator and Hondius
By Gerard Mercator
Located in Alamo, CA
A 17th century copperplate hand-colored map entitled "The Sixt Table of England" by Gerard Mercator and Jodocus Hondius, published in Amsterdam in 1635 in 'Cosmographicall Descriptio...
Category

Antique Mid-17th Century Dutch Maps

Materials

Paper

Southeastern Ireland: A 17th Century Hand Colored Map by Mercator and Hondius
By Gerard Mercator
Located in Alamo, CA
A 17th century copperplate hand-colored map entitled "The Second Table of Ireland, Udrone" by Gerard Mercator and Jodocus Hondius, published in Amsterdam in 1635 in 'Cosmographicall ...
Category

Antique Mid-17th Century Dutch Maps

Materials

Paper

Framed Mercator Hondius Hispania Nova Atlas Minor Map
Located in Stamford, CT
Framed colored example of this decorative and important minature map. Newly framed in brown wood frame with gold trim. Mercator Hondius “Atlas Minor” pu...
Category

Antique 17th Century Dutch Spanish Colonial Maps

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Antique Colored Belgium Map Flandria Gallica Flanders Henricus Hondius
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique hand colored map of Flanders, Belgium, engraved by Henricus Hondius. Sans frame - 21.25” x 18”.
Category

Antique 19th Century Renaissance Maps

Materials

Paper

1627 Hendrik Hondius Map Entitled "Vltoniae Orientalis Pars, " Ric.a009
Located in Norton, MA
1627 Hendrik Hondius map entitled "Vltoniae orientalis pars," Ric.a009 Title: Vltoniae orientalis : pars Title (alt.) : Ultoniae orientalis pars Creator: Mercator, Gerh...
Category

Antique 17th Century Dutch Maps

Materials

Paper

The Normandy Region of France: A 17th C. Hand-colored Map by Sanson and Jaillot
By Nicolas Sanson
Located in Alamo, CA
This large hand-colored map entitled "Le Duché et Gouvernement de Normandie divisée en Haute et Basse Normandie en divers Pays; et par evêchez, avec le Gouvernement General du Havre ...
Category

Antique 1690s French Maps

Materials

Paper

Recently Viewed

View All