Bilder Jodocus Hondius (1563–1612) – Map of Old and New Castile (Spain) – Engraving (1606)

Beskrivning

This engraving presents a detailed topographical and political map of the central regions of Spain, titled Castiliae Veteris et Novae Descriptio. The composition illustrates the expansive territories of Old and New Castile, marking major cities such as Madrid, Toledo, and Valladolid alongside numerous smaller towns, river systems, and mountain ranges. The map features two prominent decorative strapwork cartouches; the one in the lower right corner contains the title surmounted by a castle crest, while the upper left cartouche provides a geographical description of the region. Territorial boundaries are accentuated with varied hand-colored outlines in pink, green, and yellow to distinguish Castile from neighboring regions like Portugal, Aragon, and Andalusia. This illustration was published as a technical plate for the Mercator-Hondius Atlas to provide the public with the most accurate geographical data available at the beginning of the seventeenth century.

Jodocus Hondius was a Flemish engraver and cartographer who played a critical role in the golden age of Netherlandish mapmaking. He is most famous for acquiring the copper plates of Gerardus Mercator and publishing expanded editions of the Mercator Atlas, which helped establish the work as the standard geographical reference of the era. Hondius was skilled in both the technical and artistic aspects of map production, often incorporating elaborate calligraphy and decorative illustrations into his cartographic designs. His workshop in Amsterdam became a primary center for the dissemination of new geographical discoveries, significantly advancing the scientific accuracy and visual quality of European maps.

Artist or Maker: Jodocus Hondius .

Dimensions: Approximately 48 cm x 55 cm .

Medium: Engraving .

Date: 1606

Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.