GUINEA – 1640

Cartographer: Willem Blaeu
Publisher: Willem & Jan Blaeu
Price: £245 (post-free in the UK)
Publication Date: Not dated but c.1640
Edition: Early edition
Format: Copper engraving
Condition: In very good condition, unframed
Sheet Size: 49cm x 59.5cm

Condition:

French text to the reverse. Original central fold lines. Original or very early hand-colouring. Age toning and minor foxing to the paper and creasing. Archive repair to the central fold line to the reverse and archive repair to a closed tear. In very good condition overall.

Location: Map Drawer C: FS: Folder M2000 002573

Willem Blaeu’s map of Guinea is a masterful representation of the West African coast, created during the 17th century when European exploration and trade in the region were expanding. Blaeu, one of the most renowned Dutch cartographers of the Golden Age of Cartography, produced this map as part of his influential atlases. It is both a work of geographical documentation and an artistic achievement, reflecting the European perspective of the region at the time.

Geographical Coverage

The map focuses on the coastline of Guinea, encompassing the Gulf of Guinea and adjacent territories in West Africa. It includes the modern-day countries of Senegal, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria. The map’s primary emphasis is on the coastal areas, which were of paramount importance for European trade and exploration, particularly in gold, ivory, and slaves.

Features and Details

1. Coastal Settlements and Landmarks:
   • The map meticulously charts prominent coastal settlements and ports, which were key nodes in the European trading network. These include early trading posts established by the Portuguese, Dutch, and other European powers.
   • Rivers and estuaries are prominently depicted, as they were crucial for navigation and trade routes extending inland.
2. Cartouches and Artistic Embellishments:
   • Blaeu’s map is adorned with ornate cartouches, displaying the title and dedication in decorative panels. These embellishments often included allegorical figures, coats of arms, or symbols of wealth and power, reflecting the importance of the region for European interests.
   • The map features illustrations of ships and other decorative elements in the surrounding oceans, enhancing its artistic appeal.
3. Representation of Resources:
   • The region is labelled with references to its wealth in gold, ivory, and other valuable commodities, highlighting its significance to European powers.
   • Indigenous settlements and features of the landscape are marked, though these were often based on second-hand accounts and European interpretations rather than detailed local knowledge.
4. Projection and Scale:
   • The map uses a coastal perspective, with less attention paid to the interior, which remained largely unknown to European cartographers at the time. This reflects the maritime focus of European interests in West Africa.

Cultural and Historical Context

Blaeu’s map of Guinea was produced during a period of intense European maritime competition for control over trade routes and resources. The Dutch, in particular, sought to challenge Portuguese dominance in West Africa, and maps like Blaeu’s were instrumental in providing navigational and geopolitical information to support these ambitions.

The map also reflects the colonial mindset of the era, focusing on the commercial exploitation of the region’s resources while offering a Eurocentric perspective on its geography and people. The prominence given to trade ports and the depiction of the region’s wealth underline its perceived value to European powers.

Artistic and Cartographic Significance

Willem Blaeu’s maps are celebrated not only for their geographical content but also for their aesthetic excellence. His map of Guinea exemplifies the blend of art and science that defined the Dutch Golden Age of Cartography. The intricate engraving, attention to detail, and rich decorative elements make it a prized artefact of cartographic history.

In summary, Willem Blaeu’s map of Guinea is a vivid representation of 17th-century European engagement with West Africa. It encapsulates the era’s ambitions, limitations, and artistic achievements, offering a fascinating glimpse into how the region was viewed through the lens of European exploration and trade.

Willem And Jan Blaeu: A Short Biography

Willem Blaeu (1571–1638) and his son Jan Blaeu (1596–1673) were preeminent Dutch cartographers and publishers during the Dutch Golden Age, celebrated for their groundbreaking contributions to the fields of cartography, astronomy, and publishing. Together, they elevated the art and science of mapmaking, producing some of the most renowned atlases, globes, and charts in history.

Willem Blaeu: The Visionary Founder

Willem Blaeu, born in Alkmaar, the Netherlands, was initially trained as a scientist and mathematician. He studied under the Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe, whose influence ignited Blaeu’s interest in celestial navigation and precise measurements. Returning to Amsterdam, Blaeu founded his printing and publishing business in the late 16th century, specialising in high-quality maps and globes.

Willem’s work reflected a meticulous approach to geography and a keen eye for artistic detail. His early maps combined accurate geographical data with exquisite decorative elements, setting a new standard for cartographic excellence. His first significant work was a series of world and regional maps, which gained widespread acclaim for their precision and beauty.

Willem also created celestial globes and nautical charts that were essential tools for navigation during the age of exploration. His publications contributed to Amsterdam’s reputation as a centre for trade, science, and learning.

Jan Blaeu: The Innovator and Expander

Jan Blaeu, Willem’s eldest son, inherited his father’s business upon Willem’s death in 1638. Under Jan’s leadership, the Blaeu publishing house expanded its operations and influence, producing some of the most ambitious and comprehensive cartographic works of the 17th century.

Jan’s crowning achievement was the publication of the Atlas Maior, a monumental 11-volume atlas first issued in 1662. This work represented the pinnacle of Dutch cartography, featuring hundreds of detailed maps of the known world, accompanied by scholarly descriptions and decorative embellishments. The Atlas Maior was not only a scientific tool but also a symbol of prestige and intellectual achievement, sought after by scholars and collectors across Europe.

Jan also continued his father’s work on globes and maritime charts, ensuring their accuracy and utility for explorers and merchants. He collaborated with scientists, navigators, and other mapmakers to incorporate the latest discoveries into his publications.

Legacy and Contributions

The Blaeu family’s work was marked by their commitment to both scientific accuracy and artistic excellence. Their maps and atlases were adorned with intricate borders, elaborate cartouches, and vibrant hand-colouring, making them not only practical tools but also works of art. The Blaeu publishing house was known for its meticulous engraving and printing techniques, which set a benchmark for quality.

The Blaeus played a critical role in documenting the geographical knowledge of their time, reflecting the Dutch Republic’s dominance in trade, exploration, and scientific discovery. Their works influenced generations of cartographers and remain highly prized by historians and collectors today.

Despite the success of the Blaeu firm, it eventually declined following a devastating fire in 1672 that destroyed much of their workshop and inventory. However, the Blaeu legacy endures as a testament to the transformative power of cartography in shaping the modern understanding of the world. Willem and Jan Blaeu are remembered as pioneers whose work bridged the gap between science, art, and exploration.

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