INSULIS ADJACENTIBUS ROBERTUS GORDONIUS A STRALOCH DESCRIPSIT – ORIGINAL COPPER ENGRAVED MAP PUBLISHED BY JOAN BLAEU

Cartographer: Robert Gordon
Publisher: Joan Blaeu
Price: £650
Publication Date: Not dated but c.1655
Format: Original copper engraving with original or early hand-colouring
Condition: In near fine condition, unframed
Sheet Size: 60.2cm x 47.8cm

Condition:

German text verso. Central fold line and minor creasing. Very minor age-toning but generally very bright and clean with very good margins. A strong impression. Overall in near fine condition. Scarce thus.

Description:

“Scotia Regnum cum Insulis Adjacentibus Robertus Gordonius a Straloch Descripsit” refers to a detailed map of Scotland and its adjacent islands, described and created by Robert Gordon of Straloch.

Explanation of the Terms:

• Scotia Regnum cum Insulis Adjacentibus: This is Latin for “The Kingdom of Scotland with Adjacent Islands.”
• Robertus Gordonius a Straloch Descripsit: This means “Robert Gordon of Straloch described [or mapped] it.”

Robert Gordon of Straloch (1580–1661):

• Role in Cartography: Robert Gordon of Straloch was a prominent Scottish cartographer, geographer, and antiquarian. He was commissioned by King Charles I to compile and revise maps of Scotland, which were to be used in the production of a comprehensive atlas of Scotland.
• Contribution to Scottish Mapping: Gordon’s work was crucial in the early 17th century for providing detailed and accurate maps of Scotland. His efforts were part of a broader project to produce a national atlas that depicted Scotland’s geographical and topographical features in unprecedented detail.

The Map:

• Purpose and Creation: The map titled “Scotia Regnum cum Insulis Adjacentibus” is one of the most detailed and accurate representations of Scotland from that time. It includes not only the mainland but also the numerous islands surrounding Scotland. The map is notable for its geographical accuracy and artistic detail, reflecting both the physical landscape and the political boundaries of the time.
• Blaeu Atlas: Robert Gordon’s maps were incorporated into the Blaeu Atlas (also known as the Atlas Novus), which was one of the most prestigious atlases of the 17th century. The maps published by Joan Blaeu, using Gordon’s work, became some of the most important cartographic records of Scotland.

Historical Significance:

• Cultural and Historical Value: This map is an important artefact from the 17th century, offering insights into how Scotland was viewed and understood at the time. It also represents a significant collaboration between Scottish scholars and Dutch cartographers, showcasing the global exchange of knowledge during the period.
• Use in Scholarship: Historians and geographers still reference this map to understand the landscape, settlements, and territorial boundaries of 17th-century Scotland. It also serves as a testament to the meticulous work of Robert Gordon and his contribution to Scottish cartography.

Joan Blaeu: A Short Biography

Joan Blaeu (1596–1673) was a prominent Dutch cartographer, the most famous member of the Blaeu family, which was instrumental in the development of cartography during the Dutch Golden Age. He was the son of Willem Janszoon Blaeu, who founded the Blaeu cartographic business.

Key Points about Joan Blaeu:

1. Family and Background:
   • Joan Blaeu was born into a family of renowned cartographers. His father, Willem Janszoon Blaeu, was a respected cartographer and instrument maker who established a printing and mapmaking business in Amsterdam.
   • Joan, along with his brother Cornelis, expanded the family business after their father’s death in 1638.
2. Major Works:
   • Atlas Novus (The New Atlas): Joan Blaeu is best known for his monumental work, the Atlas Novus or Theatrum Orbis Terrarum (New Atlas or Theatre of the World). This atlas was an extensive and detailed collection of maps covering Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, published in multiple volumes beginning in 1635. It was one of the most comprehensive atlases of its time.
   • Atlas Maior: The Atlas Maior was an even more ambitious project, considered the pinnacle of Blaeu’s work. Published in 11 volumes between 1662 and 1672, it included over 600 maps and was the largest and most expensive book published in the 17th century. The Atlas Maior represented the height of Dutch cartography and was renowned for its accuracy, artistry, and lavish decoration.
3. Scotland and Blaeu:
   • One of Blaeu’s significant contributions was the mapping of Scotland. Joan Blaeu worked with Robert Gordon of Straloch and other Scottish scholars to create some of the most accurate and detailed maps of Scotland during the 17th century. These maps were included in his Atlas Novus and were important in documenting the geography of Scotland and its islands.
4. Legacy:
   • Joan Blaeu’s atlases are highly regarded not only for their cartographic precision but also for their artistic quality. His maps were often decorated with elaborate cartouches, coats of arms, and illustrations, making them as much works of art as they were functional maps.
   • Blaeu’s maps were used extensively throughout Europe and were a key resource for explorers, traders, and scholars. His works have had a lasting impact on the field of cartography and are still studied and admired today.
5. The End of the Blaeu Business:
   • The Blaeu family’s cartographic business suffered a significant setback in 1672 when their workshop in Amsterdam was destroyed by a fire, which led to the eventual decline of their mapmaking enterprise. Despite this, the legacy of Joan Blaeu and his family endures through the surviving maps and atlases, which remain prized possessions in collections around the world.

Location: Map Drawer C: FS: Folder 1210

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