PARTE SEPTENTRIONAL DO REYNO DE PORTUGAL POR N SANSON D’ABBEVILLE – 1654

Cartographer: Nicolas Sanson
Publisher: Nicolas Sanson, Paris, France
Price: £200 (post-free in the UK)
Publication Date: 1654
Edition: Not stated
Format: Copper engraving
Condition: In very good condition, unframed
Sheet Size: 59.4cm x 44.4cm

Condition:

Central fold line. Old hand-colouring. Age-spots and toning, most of which is confined to the margins. Reverse is blank with age toning and marks to the edges. Minor nicks and wear to the edges. In very good overall condition.

Location: Map Drawer C: FS: Folder M2000 002547

Northern Portugal in 1654: A Short Account

Northern Portugal in 1654 was a region marked by its rugged landscapes, distinctive cultural identity, and its role in the broader geopolitical dynamics of mid-17th-century Europe. This was a time when Portugal was consolidating its independence from Spain following the Restoration War (1640–1668) and seeking to rebuild its political, economic, and military stability.

Historical Context: The Restoration War

In 1654, Portugal was 14 years into the Restoration War, a conflict triggered by the Portuguese revolt against Spanish rule in 1640. The northern regions, including key cities like Porto, Braga, and Guimarães, played a significant role in supporting the restoration of the Portuguese monarchy under King João IV of the House of Braganza.

Key Elements of the Northern Role in the Restoration:

• Defensive Strategies: Northern Portugal’s proximity to Spain made it a frontline region during the war. Fortifications in cities like Viana do Castelo and the Douro Valley were reinforced to repel potential invasions.
• Recruitment and Supplies: The rural and urban populations contributed soldiers and resources to the war effort. Wealthier landowners in the north funded local militias, while peasants often formed the bulk of the fighting force.
• Symbolic Importance: As a region historically tied to the origins of the Portuguese kingdom, the north held symbolic weight in the national identity, strengthening local support for independence.

Geography and Economy

Northern Portugal was defined by its diverse geography, including mountainous terrain, fertile valleys, and a rugged coastline. This landscape shaped the region’s economy and culture.

Key Economic Activities:

• Agriculture: The region’s fertile lands supported crops like wheat, maize, and olives. Viticulture was particularly important, with the Douro Valley beginning to gain prominence for its wines, including the early production of what would become Port wine.
• Fishing and Maritime Trade: Coastal cities like Porto and Viana do Castelo thrived on fishing and trade. These cities served as hubs for exporting goods, including wine, olive oil, and salt, to England, France, and the Netherlands.
• Craftsmanship and Textiles: Braga and Guimarães were known for their skilled artisans, producing textiles, metalwork, and other goods. These products were both consumed locally and traded with neighbouring regions.

Society and Culture

Religion and the Church

The Catholic Church maintained a dominant influence over the social and cultural life of northern Portugal. The region was dotted with monasteries, convents, and churches, reflecting its deep religiosity.

• Braga as a Religious Centre: Known as the “Portuguese Rome,” Braga was the ecclesiastical heart of the north and one of the oldest Christian cities in Portugal. In 1654, it was a seat of significant religious authority and a centre for Jesuit education and missionary activity.
• Festivals and Pilgrimages: Religious festivals, such as the Feast of São João (St John), were integral to community life, blending Catholic traditions with local folklore.

Rural Communities

The majority of the northern population lived in rural areas, engaged in subsistence farming. Villages were tightly knit, with extended families and communal practices shaping daily life. Land ownership was dominated by the nobility and the Church, with peasants often working as tenant farmers.

Urban Centres

Cities like Porto and Braga were hubs of commerce, culture, and governance. Porto, in particular, was known for its mercantile class, which played a crucial role in connecting the region to international trade networks.

Military and Strategic Importance

Northern Portugal’s proximity to Spain made it a critical region during the Restoration War. The region was fortified to defend against Spanish incursions, with local militias and professional troops manning key outposts.

• Fortifications: Strongholds such as the Castle of Guimarães and the fortifications of Valença do Minho were critical in protecting the region.
• Alliances with England: In 1654, Portugal signed a military and trade alliance with England, solidifying support against Spain. This treaty facilitated the export of northern goods, such as wine and textiles, to English markets and secured English military aid.

The Treaty of 1654

A landmark event for Portugal in this year was the signing of the Anglo-Portuguese Treaty of 1654. This agreement:

• Recognised Portugal’s sovereignty by England, lending legitimacy to its independence from Spain.
• Strengthened economic ties, enabling the northern ports, particularly Porto, to flourish through trade with England.
• Bolstered military cooperation, enhancing Portugal’s defences in the Restoration War.

Northern Portugal, with its ports and agricultural wealth, benefited significantly from this treaty, which opened new markets for its goods and reinforced its role in the national economy.

Challenges and Hardships

Despite its cultural vibrancy and economic activity, northern Portugal faced significant challenges in 1654:

• War Strain: The ongoing Restoration War placed a heavy burden on the population. Taxation and forced recruitment disrupted rural and urban life.
• Spanish Threat: Proximity to the border made northern Portugal vulnerable to Spanish raids and skirmishes, creating a sense of constant insecurity.
• Economic Disparities: While trade and viticulture brought prosperity to some, many rural communities struggled with poverty and reliance on subsistence farming.

Conclusion

Northern Portugal in 1654 was a region of resilience and strategic importance, playing a vital role in Portugal’s efforts to consolidate independence from Spain. Its agricultural wealth, burgeoning wine trade, and robust religious and cultural traditions made it a cornerstone of Portuguese identity. Despite the hardships of war, the north remained steadfast, contributing significantly to the eventual success of the Portuguese Restoration and laying the groundwork for its economic and cultural prominence in the years to come.

Nicolas Sanson: A Short Biography

Nicolas Sanson (20 December 1600 – 7 July 1667) was a prominent French cartographer, often referred to as the “father of French cartography.” His contributions to mapmaking in the 17th century were instrumental in elevating the scientific and artistic standards of cartography in France. Through his meticulous work, Sanson laid the foundation for modern geographic studies and significantly influenced European mapmaking during his era.

Early Life and Education

Nicolas Sanson was born in Abbeville, a town in northern France. Raised in a scholarly environment, he exhibited a talent for mathematics and geography from an early age. As a young man, he studied at the Jesuit College in Amiens, where he further developed his knowledge of classical texts, history, and the sciences. These disciplines later played a crucial role in shaping his approach to cartography.

Sanson’s passion for geography was evident from an early age. He began creating maps as a teenager, blending his interest in history with his desire to depict the world more accurately. His early maps, based on classical sources and modern observations, displayed an impressive level of detail and accuracy for the time.

Career in Cartography

Sanson’s professional career began in earnest when he moved to Paris in the 1620s. There, his skills as a cartographer quickly gained recognition. His first major work, a map of Gaul (modern-day France), drew the attention of influential figures in French society, including Cardinal Richelieu, the chief minister to Louis XIII. This map was notable for its clarity, accuracy, and integration of historical knowledge with geographic detail.

Sanson’s reputation as a cartographer grew, and he was soon appointed as the official cartographer to King Louis XIII. This prestigious position provided him with access to state resources, allowing him to refine his maps and produce work of even higher quality. He later served as a tutor in geography to the young Louis XIV, further cementing his connection to the French royal court.

Contributions to Cartography

Sanson’s work was characterised by its scientific precision and artistic elegance. He was a pioneer in creating maps that prioritised geographic accuracy over decorative elements, marking a departure from the elaborate, highly embellished maps of earlier cartographers. His maps often featured simple yet effective designs, with clear labelling and boundaries, making them valuable tools for navigation and study.

Key Achievements:

• Shift in Cartographic Style: Sanson’s approach to mapmaking emphasised clarity and functionality, helping to standardise the layout and symbols used in European cartography.
• Expansion of French Influence: His maps promoted France’s geographic and political interests, often highlighting French territories and discoveries.
• Atlases and Publications: Sanson produced numerous atlases and individual maps, covering Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa. His Atlas Nouveau became a standard reference for geographers and scholars of his time.
• Collaboration with Engravers: Sanson worked closely with skilled engravers such as Pierre Mariette, ensuring that his maps were both precise and visually appealing.

Sanson’s work on the Americas was particularly influential. His maps depicted the latest European knowledge of the New World, including representations of regions such as California, which he depicted as an island based on the prevailing geographic misconceptions of the time.

Legacy and Influence

Nicolas Sanson is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of cartography. His influence extended beyond his own work, as he trained and collaborated with other notable cartographers, including his sons Guillaume and Adrien, who carried on his legacy. The Sanson family’s contributions to cartography remained significant well into the late 17th century.

Sanson’s maps were admired for their accuracy and used by explorers, scholars, and governments across Europe. His emphasis on geographic precision inspired future generations of cartographers, and his maps continued to serve as authoritative references for decades after his death.

Personal Life and Death

Nicolas Sanson was known for his scholarly demeanour and dedication to his craft. Despite his prominence, he remained committed to the intellectual and scientific aspects of cartography rather than pursuing personal fame. He worked alongside his family, sharing his knowledge and ensuring the continuation of the Sanson cartographic tradition.

Sanson died in Paris on 7 July 1667 at the age of 66. His legacy endured through his family and the broader impact of his contributions to cartography. Today, he is remembered as a key figure who helped transition cartography into a more scientific discipline, blending historical knowledge with geographic accuracy to create maps that stood the test of time.

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