By Willem Blaeu
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Novus Brasiliae Typus'. Fine old color example of Blaeu's first map of Brazil, with north oriented to the right. Includes inset map of Baya de todos Santos, elaborate cartouche, 2 compass roses and richly embellished vignettes of native Brazilian life and animals.
The interior of the map includes vignettes of indigenous animals and native scenes, including cannibalism. Inset within a decorative border is a small map of "Baya de todos Sanctos". In the sea are monsters, a galleon and two compass roses. The large title cartouche features a male and female Brazilian, both of whom are shown naked.
Willem Janszoon Blaeu (1571-1638) was a prominent Dutch geographer and publisher. Born the son of a herring merchant, Blaeu chose not fish but mathematics and astronomy for his focus. He studied with the famous Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe...
Category
Mid-17th Century Dutch Antique Paper Wall Decorations