The Amsterdamse firma Blaeu was the largest producer of world maps in the 17th century and its lead cartographer, John Blaeu set the bar in map imaging. His world map can be viewed at the Scheepsvaart museum this year following a long absence from public sight.
The map boasts an impressive format of two by three metres which offered the most comprehensive exploration knowledge of the time. There is only one version of this map in the world, containing the text from Blaeu and a new sheet for China.
The map forms part of an exhibition called “Blaeu’s wereld kaart, meester-cartograaf in de Gouden Eeuw” which illuminates the most surprising details of the map, the political context and elaborates on the Amsterdamse firma Blaeu, the largest producer of world maps of the 17th century. The exhibition is an addition to the popular Atlassen (Atlases) Exhibition at the Het Scheepsmuseum.
The history of the Amsterdamse firma Blaeu
The book division of firma Blaeu was established at the water’s edge, known today as the Damrak of Amsterdam. The location was by no means randomly selected. New products and information arrived here from all over the world. Marine personnel, officials, tradesmen, academics and regents from far and wide were interested in the craftsmanship and expertise of Blaeu.
The cartography of the firm exercised considerable influence on world and map imaging at the time. Cartographers the world over emulated John Blaeu’s work and tried to improve on it. Blaeu’s world map is one of the first where the Australian coastline, called Nova Hollandia by Blaeu, as well as New Zealand can be seen. To see the map visit the Scheepsvaart museum in Amsterdam from 14 April to 31 December 2017.
