Antique Map After Willem Janszoon Blaeu; Graecia

Illustrator-Willem Janszoon Blaeu

Blaeu; Amsterdam, 1650

16-1/4 x 20-1/2 inches. Framed: 20-1/2 x 24-1/2 inches. Amsterdam. Hand colored engraving with two cartouches. Lower cartouche inscribed "Graecia, Joh. et Corn. Blaeu exc." Upper cartouche inscribed "Illustri & incomparab viro Claudio Salmasi." Willem Janszoon Blaeu (1571-1638) founded one of history's greatest cartographic publishing firms in 1599. Using skills learned from the celebrated Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe, Blaeu set up a shop in Amsterdam as a globe and scientific instrument maker. He soon expanded the business to include map, chart and book publishing. This map, published by his company after his death, shows Greece at the time subjugated to the Ottoman empire. Crease across center of map. Minor discoloration. Lines remain clear and crisp. Text is easily legible. Color shows little signs of fading. A superior map in excellent condition.