EXPLORE THE WORLD OF ANTIQUE MAPS

This highly decorative map by Willem Blaeu, the copper plate for which was made in 1630, gives the European view of the western hemisphere in the early seventeeth century. Much of the information is Spanish in origin. To these Blaeu added the names given by the colonists in Virginia. In Florida and along the St Lawrence river he added the names given by the French settlers. He omits any knowledge of the Mississippi system or the great lakes. The same can be said of Manhatten and Long Island. To complete his picture of America, Blaeu provides perspective views along the top of the map of important settlements in South America and the West Indies. Our example of this map is in nice condition, and is circa 1663.