PERU – ORIGINAL COPPER ENGRAVING

Price: £200.00
Publisher: Jan Jansson, Amsterdam
Publication date: circa 1635-40
Format: Original copper engraving
Condition: In good condition, unframed
Sheet Size: 49.4cm x 57.4cm
Condition: Latin text verso. Age-toning, surface wear, nicks to the outer margins and very short closed tears, not affecting the plate surface, and creasing. Early hand-colouring. In good to very good condition overall.

Early Map of Peru from the Mercator-Hondius Atlas: A Short Description

This fine, early map of Peru, published by the esteemed cartographer Jan Jansson in Amsterdam during the Dutch Golden Age, offers a striking depiction of the Viceroyalty of Peru—one of the most lucrative colonies in the Spanish Empire at the time. This map, part of the renowned Mercator-Hondius atlas, provides a fascinating glimpse into the region’s geography with an eastern orientation.

The map meticulously lays out the colony along the length of its Pacific coast, with the rugged, mountainous interior ascending towards the top of the map. The depiction of the sharp-peaked mountain ranges across the land vividly illustrates the region’s challenging terrain. Major rivers are carefully marked, guiding the viewer to various settlements, which are indicated by small buildings or dots, depending on their size.

Lake Titicaca is prominently featured, complete with several islands within its bounds. In the surrounding ocean, three ships under full sail highlight Peru’s crucial role in commerce and trade, while two sea monsters patrolling the waters serve as a reminder of the perils of the Pacific Ocean.

A beautifully embellished compass rose complements the map, with the major decorative element being the large strapwork cartouche located in the upper left corner. This cartouche is adorned with delicate floral patterns, ribbons, and garlands, framing the simple title and double scale, reflecting the artistic sensibilities of the period.

For collectors and historians, this map represents not only a valuable geographical record but also a significant artefact from the height of Dutch cartography, offering insight into the early European exploration and colonisation of South America.

Significance:

Historical Context: Jansson’s map of Peru was created during a time when European powers, particularly Spain and Portugal, were deeply involved in the exploration and colonisation of South America. The map reflects the European perspective of the New World, with a focus on areas of economic interest, such as mining regions in the Andes.
Impact on Cartography: Jansson’s maps, including the map of Peru, were part of the broader Dutch Golden Age of cartography. These maps were among the most accurate and detailed available at the time and were widely used by navigators, scholars, and traders.

Jan Jansson: A Short Biography

Jan Jansson (1588–1664), also known as Johannes Janssonius, was a prominent Dutch cartographer, publisher, and printer during the Golden Age of Dutch cartography. He is best known for his work in producing and publishing atlases, maps, and globes, and he is considered one of the most significant figures in the history of cartography.

Early Life and Background:

• Birth and Family: Jan Jansson was born in Arnhem, in the Dutch Republic (now the Netherlands), into a family of printers and booksellers. His father, Jan Janszoon the Elder, was a bookseller and publisher, which provided Jansson with early exposure to the printing and publishing business.
• Marriage: Jansson married Elisabeth Hondius, the daughter of another renowned cartographer, Jodocus Hondius, which further solidified his position in the cartographic community.

Cartographic Contributions:

• Partnership with the Hondius Family: Jansson’s marriage to Elisabeth Hondius led to a collaboration with his father-in-law, Jodocus Hondius, one of the leading cartographers of the time. After Hondius’s death, Jansson continued the family business and expanded its operations.
• Atlases: One of Jansson’s most significant contributions was his work on atlases. He continued and expanded upon the famous Atlas Novus, a comprehensive world atlas that was initially begun by the Hondius family. Jansson’s editions of the atlas became known for their accuracy, detailed engravings, and artistic quality. His atlases covered various regions of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
• Maps: Jansson produced numerous individual maps that were highly regarded for their detail and accuracy. His maps were often accompanied by elaborate cartouches, decorative elements, and vignettes, making them not only valuable geographic resources but also works of art.
• Collaboration with Joan Blaeu: Jan Jansson was a contemporary and sometimes a rival of Joan Blaeu, another leading Dutch cartographer. Despite their competition, both contributed significantly to the development of cartography in the 17th century. Their work set a high standard for accuracy and artistic presentation in mapmaking.

Notable Works:

• Atlas Novus: This multi-volume atlas was one of Jansson’s major achievements. It included maps of various parts of the world, with detailed geographical information and artistic embellishments. The Atlas Novus was widely distributed and highly influential, establishing Jansson’s reputation as a leading cartographer.
• Town Books: Jansson also produced a series of books known as Theatrum Urbium or Town Books, which contained detailed maps and views of European cities. These books provided a valuable record of urban landscapes during the 17th century.

Legacy:

• Impact on Cartography: Jan Jansson’s work had a lasting impact on the field of cartography. His atlases and maps were used and admired by scholars, navigators, and collectors for centuries. His collaboration with other prominent cartographers and his innovative approach to mapmaking helped to advance the accuracy and artistic quality of maps during the Dutch Golden Age.
• Influence on Later Cartographers: Jansson’s maps and atlases served as references and inspiration for later cartographers and publishers. His commitment to detail and aesthetics set a standard that influenced mapmaking well beyond his time.
• Preservation and Collecting: Today, Jansson’s maps and atlases are highly sought after by collectors and are preserved in libraries and museums around the world. They are valued not only for their historical significance but also for their artistic beauty.

Jan Jansson’s contributions to cartography during the 17th century solidified his place as one of the most important figures in the history of mapmaking. His work continues to be appreciated for its accuracy, detail, and artistic merit, and it remains a vital part of the legacy of Dutch cartography.

Location: Map drawer C: Folder: SA1010

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