TERRA DI BARI ET BASILICATA

Price: £345.00
Cartographer & Publisher: Joan Blaeu
Publication date: Not dated but c.1662
Format: Original copper engraving with very early or original hand-colouring
Condition: Near fine
Sheet Size: c. 56.8cm x 48.1cm

Condition:

Text in Latin to verso. Minor creasing but very bright and clean with good margins. A very good, strong impression. Overall in near fine, bright, clean condition. Scarce. Location: Map Drawer C: FS: Folder 1009: 002298

Description:

The map titled “Terra di Bari et Basilicata” by Joan Blaeu is part of his renowned collection of detailed regional maps, published in the 17th century. This particular map focuses on the regions of Bari and Basilicata in southern Italy, reflecting the high level of cartographic detail and artistic quality for which Blaeu was famous.

Description of “Terra di Bari et Basilicata”:

• Geographical Focus:
  • Bari: The map depicts the Terra di Bari, which corresponds to the present-day Metropolitan City of Bari, located in the Apulia (Puglia) region of Italy. Bari was, and still is, an important coastal city on the Adriatic Sea.
  • Basilicata: This region is located just southwest of Bari and is known for its mountainous terrain. The map includes important cities such as Matera and Potenza.
• Content and Features:
  • Topography: The map details the mountainous regions of Basilicata and the coastal areas of Bari. It includes depictions of towns, rivers, roads, and other geographical features.
  • Artistic Elements: Blaeu’s maps are known for their elaborate cartouches and this is no exception. It includes a richly illustrated cartouche that frames the title and depicts coats of arms associated with Bari and Basilicata.
  • Scale and Accuracy: As with Blaeu’s other works, this map would have been highly accurate for its time, reflecting the best geographical knowledge available in the 17th century. The scale would be appropriate for a regional map, allowing for detailed examination of towns and landscapes.
• Historical Context:
  • Cartographic Significance: This map would have been part of Blaeu’s “Atlas Maior,” his most famous and comprehensive work, which included maps of regions across Europe and beyond. It was intended for use by scholars, nobility, and governments.
  • Cultural Importance: During the 17th century, the Italian regions were of great interest to European powers, and detailed maps like this one would have been valuable for military, economic, and administrative purposes.

This map is a representation of the rich history and geography of southern Italy during the 17th century and remains a testament to Joan Blaeu’s enduring influence in the field of cartography.

Joan Blaeu: A Short Biography

Joan Blaeu (1596–1673) was a prominent Dutch cartographer and publisher, best known for his contributions to the world of cartography during the Dutch Golden Age. He was part of the renowned Blaeu family, which played a significant role in the development of high-quality maps, atlases, and globes.

Early Life and Background:

• Birth: Joan Blaeu was born in 1596 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
• Family: He was the son of Willem Janszoon Blaeu, a respected cartographer and the founder of the Blaeu publishing house. Joan’s brother, Cornelis Blaeu, was also involved in the family business.

Education and Career:

• Education: Joan Blaeu studied law and graduated as a doctor of law in 1620. Despite his legal background, he chose to follow in his father’s footsteps and joined the family map-making business.
• Career in Cartography: After the death of his father in 1638, Joan Blaeu took over the family business and expanded its scope. Under his leadership, the Blaeu firm became the largest and most prestigious map publisher of the 17th century.

Major Works and Achievements:

• Atlases: Joan Blaeu is best known for his monumental atlases. His most famous work is the “Atlas Maior” (also known as “Theatrum Orbis Terrarum sive Atlas Novus”), published in various editions between 1662 and 1672. The “Atlas Maior” was one of the largest and most detailed atlases of its time, consisting of multiple volumes and covering a wide range of geographical areas with exceptional accuracy and artistic quality.
• Globes: In addition to maps and atlases, Joan Blaeu produced some of the finest globes of the era. These globes were highly sought-after by scholars, navigators, and wealthy patrons.
• City Books: Another significant contribution was his series of city books, such as the “Toonneel der Steden van de Vereenighde Nederlanden” (Town Atlas of the Netherlands), which featured detailed plans and views of cities in the Dutch Republic and beyond.

Legacy and Impact:

• Reputation: Joan Blaeu’s work set the standard for cartography in the 17th century. His atlases and maps were known for their precision, beauty, and extensive coverage. They were used by explorers, scholars, and governments, contributing to the era’s expanding knowledge of the world.
• Death: Joan Blaeu died in 1673 in Amsterdam, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest cartographers in history.

Influence:

• Publishing Legacy: The Blaeu publishing house continued to operate after Joan’s death, although it eventually declined following a devastating fire in 1672 that destroyed much of the company’s inventory. Despite this, the works of Joan Blaeu remained highly influential and are still highly regarded by collectors and historians today.

Joan Blaeu’s contributions to cartography were instrumental in shaping the understanding of geography during the 17th century, and his atlases remain among the most important cartographic works ever produced.

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