Antique Map Of Peru, 1638

Wonderful Antique Map of Peru with Period Coloring. Janssonius-Hondius. Netherlands, 1638

Magnificent antique map of Peru engraved in the 17th century (1638), an original from that period and hand-colored during the same time. The map is the work of Jan Janssonius, a renowned Dutch engraver who, together with his brother-in-law Henricus Hondius, created two seminal works in the history of cartography: the Atlas Novus and the Atlas Magnus. The map shown in these photos is from an edition of the Atlas Novus and is in very good condition; the paper shows some signs of oxidation, but it is neither torn nor ripped, and the colors and black lines of the engraving are preserved in magnificent condition. On the reverse side, a comprehensive and complete Latin description of the territory is printed.

The period hand-coloring that embellishes the map is done in watercolors of yellow, pink, red, blue, and sepia. The yellow tone marks the features and boundaries of the country, while the rest of the borders and coastlines are outlined in pink. The coastline has also been shaded in a dark tone: this detail lends a very realistic sense of depth. At the bottom of the map, in the area corresponding to the sea, there is a beautiful compass rose accompanied by three delicate caravels, likely symbolizing those commanded by Christopher Columbus during the discovery of the Americas. At the top of the map is a magnificent, full-color cartouche bearing the name of the region, PERU, and two scales. At the bottom of the map appears the engravers signature, Ioannem Ianssonium.

Spectacularly beautiful and steeped in history, this fascinating antique map of Peru will stand out on any wall where it is displayed.

Dimensions: Paper: Width: 56 cm. Height: 48 cm. Engraving: Width: 49.5 cm. Height: 38 cm.

Measurements: Paper: Width: 19.4 in / 49.5 cm. Height: 14.9 in / 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 Celts by Andreas Cellarius. After Janssoniuss death, his son-in-law Johannes van Waesberg took over ownership of the publishing house.