Antique Map Of Brazilian Guiana, 1638

Beautiful Antique Map of Brazilian Guayana, Hand-Colored. Janssonius-Hondius. Netherlands, 1638

A beautiful antique map of Guayana in the Kingdom of the Amazon (Brazil), produced in the Netherlands in 1638 by the renowned engraver and publisher Jan Janssonius. The map is part of the *Atlas Novus*, which Janssonius developed together with his brother-in-law, the publisher Henricus Hondius. The two also created another important work in cartography, the *Atlas Magnus*. This map stands out for its simplicity and precision, as well as for its magnificent state of preservation: the paper is clean and uniform, with no stains, oxidation, or foxing. The watercolor hues were added at the time the map was engraved, highlighting certain areas while adding aesthetic interest to the engraving.

The coastlines of the Guiana region are emphasized with yellow and dark gray watercolors, creating a striking sense of relief and depth. The coastlines of the outlying regions are colored in shades of pink. The same applies to the borders and boundaries between territories. The mountain ranges and ridges are rendered in a soft ochre hue, while the cartouches are decorated with intense shades of blue, red, pink, yellow, and green. In the beautiful cartouche located in the upper right corner, we can see the Latin name of the territory: GUIANA FIUE AMAZONUM REGIO. At the bottom of the map is another small cartouche bearing the signature of the publisher, Henricus Hondius. The reverse side of the map features a detailed description of the Amazonian Guiana region printed in Latin.

This marvelous antique map of Guiana in the Kingdom of the Amazon is a unique, authentic piece with great decorative appeal.

Dimensions: Paper: Width: 57 cm. Height: 48 cm. Engraving: Width: 49 cm. Height: 37 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.