Bilder Johannes Janssonius (1588–1664) – Map of the Duchy of Mantua (Italy) – Engraving (1640)

Beskrivning

Mantva Dvcatvs. This engraving presents a detailed geographical map of the Duchy of Mantua in northern Italy. The composition illustrates the regional topography, featuring numerous fortified towns, villages, and river systems, including the Po and Mincio. The city of Mantua is centrally positioned, depicted with its characteristic lakeside defenses. The surrounding territories, such as the Cremonese and parts of the Duchy of Parma, are clearly delineated with boundary lines. In the upper right corner, an elaborate decorative cartouche features the Latin title supported by stylized drapery and a heraldic coat of arms. A secondary cartouche in the lower right contains a mileage scale topped by a winged figure. This hand-colored work is a significant cartographic plate published in Amsterdam, representing the high standard of Dutch Golden Age mapmaking.

Johannes Janssonius was a prominent Dutch cartographer and publisher based in Amsterdam during the seventeenth century. He was a major rival to the Blaeu family and significantly expanded the famous Mercator-Hondius atlas tradition. Janssonius was known for producing expansive multi-volume atlases, including the Atlas Novus and the Atlas Major, which documented the known world with exceptional detail and artistic flourish. His workshop employed the finest engravers of the period to create plates that combined scientific geographical data with ornate Baroque decorative elements. His legacy remains central to the history of cartography, as his maps provided a comprehensive visual record of European and global geography for an international audience.

Artist or Maker: Johannes Janssonius.

Dimensions: Approximately 48 cm x 56 cm.

Medium: Engraving.

Date: 1640.

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.