Antique Map Of Andalusia, 1638

Wonderful Antique Map of Andalusia Published by Janssonius-Hondius. Netherlands, 1638

Magnificent antique map of Andalusia, published by Jan Janssonius and Henricus Hondius in the 17th century (1638) and in wonderful condition. The map is part of the monumental work *Atlas Novus*, published by both editors. The engravings were the work of Janssonius, a prestigious engraver and publisher of the time. This map depicts the Spanish region of Andalusia, carefully drawn and showing its geographical features, borders, and major cities and towns. The map was originally hand-colored: the mountain ranges, borders, and other details stand out thanks to the skillful use of watercolors in red, sepia, pink, yellow, and blue.

The map is superbly preserved, with no tears or stained areas. On the reverse side, there is a detailed text printed in Latin describing the region of Andalusia as it was known in the 17th century. At the bottom of the map, two beautiful cartouches provide detailed information: on the left, a lion flanked by columns holds a scroll bearing the inscription ANDALUZIA continens - SEVILLAM ET CORDUBAM; on the right, two small angels hold the scale cartouche. At the top, on the left, we can see the coat of arms of Portugal; on the right is that of Aragon. Below the map, in the sea, a beautiful compass rose indicates the geographical position.

Extremely beautiful and evocative, this antique map of Andalusia is a historical document that exudes authenticity.

Dimensions: Paper: Width: 57 cm. Height: 48 cm. Engraving: Width: 50 cm. Height: 48 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.