Antique Map Of Biscay And Guipúzcoa, 1638

Stunning Antique Map of Vizcaya and Guipúzcoa. Janssonius-Hondius. The Netherlands, 1638

Antique map of Vizcaya and Guipúzcoa engraved and published in the Netherlands in 1638. The map is the work of the renowned cartographer and publisher Jan Janssonius and is part of the *Atlas Novus*, which the Dutch publisher expanded and completed in collaboration with Henricus Hondius. The map is in magnificent condition despite being nearly 400 years old. It has no tears or stains and retains its original period hand-colored watercolor. The map depicts the ancient Basque Country, including the provinces of Biscay and Guipúzcoa and the surrounding territories and seas. It is printed in black ink and shows geographical features and the names of several cities: Vitoria, San Sebastián, Baiona On the reverse side, there is a text providing a complete description of the territory in Latin.

The boundaries and borders of both provinces with the rest of the territory have been colored with delicate watercolor tones: pink, yellow, and sepia. The mountain ranges have also been painted brown. It is interesting to note that the province of Álava appears to be included within the territory of Biscay (Biscaia on the map). In the lower left corner, we can see the delicate figure of a naked boy holding a compass and a ruler, pointing to the scale key. Next to him is the engravers signature, Ioannem Ianßonioum (Jan Janssonius). At the top are two beautiful compass roses painted in blue and red, accompanied by a coat of arms and several caravels. Additionally, in the lower left corner, we can see a beautiful blue, red, and yellow cartouche with the inscription BISCAIA ET GUIPUSCOA - CANTABRIA VETERIS PARS.

Cartography enthusiasts will find a true treasure in this fantastic original period map, hand-colored and perfectly preserved.

Dimensions: Paper: Width: 57 cm. Height: 48.5 cm. Engraving: Width: 49 cm. Height: 38 cm.

History of Jan Janssonius

Jan Janssonius (Johannes Janssonius, 15881664) was a Dutch cartographer and publisher, famous for his contribution to the Hondius Atlas. The relationship between Janssonius and Hondius began as a family one, since in 1612 Janssonius married Elisabeth de Hondt, daughter of Jodocus Hondius.

Janssonius was the son of a Dutch publisher and bookseller, and he produced his first maps in 1616, depicting France and Italy. By 1623, he owned a bookstore in Frankfurt and later opened branches in other European cities. In 1630, Janssonius partnered with his brother-in-law Henricus Hondius, and they began publishing the famous Mercator/Hondius/Janssonius atlases. Published under the title *Atlas Novus*, the work comprised three volumes by 1638; in 1646, another volume on Maps of English Counties was published. In 1660, the atlas was renamed *Atlas Major*: by then it consisted of eleven volumes, with contributions from around one hundred authors and engravers. The volumes include an atlas of cities, one of the seas, and another of the ancient world, as well as an Atlas of the Clelians by Andreas Cellarius. After Janssoniuss death, his son-in-law Johannes van Waesberg took over ownership of the publishing house.